How To Write A Method Statement

A method statement is an incredibly valuable document that can really bolster your business’ health and safety documentation. It helps to keep workers safe, ensures tasks and processes are carried out exactly as desired, and offers peace of mind that your business is fully compliant with all current health and safety legislation. This guide will look at exactly what a method statement is and how to write one, and offer ideas on what to include in a method statement template. You’ll also find information on how to make sure your method statement is up to date with the help of health and safety experts.

What Is A Method Statement?

A method statement is a document that outlines how a specific task should be carried out. This includes the tools and resources required, the people involved, and the individual steps to follow to complete the task. It is a supplementary document to a health and safety risk assessment and is an extra layer of protection for businesses and workers. 

A method statement is more commonly used in particularly high risk industries, such as construction and manufacturing. It’s especially pertinent for construction site safety where there are multiple hazards, all of a varying nature. Using method statements to clearly set out how to perform each task minimises the risks involved and leaves less margin for error.  

Although a health and safety policy is a legal requirement for all businesses, a method statement is not. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly advises the use of a method statement in construction and other typically more dangerous industries. Using method statements is an effective way to establish safe systems of work and control dangerous situations to maintain the safest possible working conditions.

Risk Assessments And Method Statements

Risk assessments and method statements are two different things. A risk assessment is the first part of a health and safety policy in that it identifies and assesses potential risks. A risk assessment can outline ways to minimise those risks in general terms. A method statement is much more detailed, with very specific step-by-step instructions on how to safely carry out one distinct task. Where a risk assessment might advise operatives in the manufacturing industry to wear PPE, a method statement would list the actual PPE required for each part of the job. 

Completing a risk assessment according to HSE guidance is a crucial first step that must be completed prior to any method statements. This helps to identify which areas on which projects require individual attention. From there, relevant and concise method statements can be created. 

How To Write A Method Statement

A method statement needs to be a methodical and well-thought out document that covers all areas of the job to be done. In order to write one effectively, consider the following:

The Purpose

Why are you writing the method statement and what are the end goals? When you can define what you want to achieve, ie, reducing fire risks and maintaining operatives safety, it will be easier to plan how you will achieve this.

Define The Task

Write out exactly what the job is, for example, working at heights or welding. Knowing the scale of the task helps to understand what needs to be done.

Identify The Risks

This will have been done in some form as part of the overall risk assessment. Risk assessments and method statements go hand in hand, so use the original risk assessment to help define the job specific risks.

Resources

List the resources that will be needed, including the number of people, any PPE, and other equipment like ladders or harnesses. A method statement should be very prescriptive when listing the items to be used.

Sequence Of Events

Write out sequential instructions that set out plainly how each task should be approached and completed. This can include information such as where and how to store flammable materials, how to handle harmful substances, and any distances required to maintain a safe working environment.

Control Measures

Control measures are the ways in which you will manage and control the risks, for example, having two people present at all times. If risks are hard to reduce, then making sure they are monitored is equally valuable. Investing in good staff training can also enhance the effectiveness of any method statements.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency, a method statement should have the emergency procedures to follow. This can include fire safety protocols, details of first aid responders, or evacuation procedures.

Review And Revise

You should regularly review any risk assessments and revise any details that may need updating due to things like personnel changes or new legislation. A new method statement should be completed for each project and each individual task.

Method Statement Template

Things to have on your method statement template include:

• A project title, e.g, new builds at Quay Street
• Details of the project, such as the address, start date, and suggested end date
• The personnel on the project, including the site manager and their contact details
• The specific tools and equipment required
• The specific materials to be used
• Any other essential equipment like PPE or safety harnesses
• The hazards posed and the steps required to reduce them, e.g. chemicals on site to be stored in a bunded container
• Who can perform the tasks, for example, only fully-trained persons 
• A list of step-by-step instructions. These instructions will vary greatly according to each job
• The date of when the method statement was completed and a signature showing who by

A method statement template can look different for every industry and every project. The more detailed and distinct the method statement, the better. 

METHOD STATEMENT EXAMPLE

As an extra layer to your method statement template, having a method statement example available for employees to refer to when creating new method statements can be very useful. Take a look below to see the readings we would include on a method statement example.

• Job or Project Title
• The date
• A description of the work broken down sub-headings including the task, the time required, the sequence of events to complete the task and the location
• The resources required, with further details of the personnel and any certification they have, the required supervision, the equipment to be used, and any materials including the weight and dimensions
• An assessment of the risks associated with the task, such as the available access, the place where the work will be carried out, any other operatives at risk, any noise or manual handling considerations

Including a method statement example in your documentation will make the process of completing any new method statements much more efficient.

Method Statements From Rhino Safety

The best way to ensure that your method statements are fit for purpose is to use health and safety experts who can audit your entire health and safety policy, and create method statement templates and a detailed method statements for you. This removes any element of doubt, giving you total peace of mind that risks are reduced and safety is a priority. 

Contact us to find out how we can help with method statements, health and safety risk assessments, and staff training.