Method Statement Template

You have a duty of care to your workers; you should always be looking to ensure their safety.

This is vital for all workers, but you will have to take extra steps to protect those doing dangerous work. One way to do that is with a method statement.

There is some confusion as to what they are, when to use them, and their relationship with regular risk assessments.

In this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at method statements and provide you with a downloadable template to create your own.

If you need immediate support on putting together a method statement, get in touch with one of Croner's health and safety experts on 0800 470 2874.

What is a method statement?

A method statement (also known as a plan of work, safety or work method statement) is both a risk assessment and a type of health and safety document, typically used in high-risk roles in construction activities and industries. It’s called that because it outlines the method workers must use to carry out a particular job role safely.

For some industries, it’s essential that they have a comprehensive method statement too, meaning you need to assess whether your workplace falls under this category.

They are most used in the construction sector but can be used in any industry.

Legal obligation

Unlike risk assessments, a method statement isn’t a legal requirement or obligation. So why should you have one?

Firstly, it allows you to showcase high levels of quality safety measures. This will mean your workplace is viewed more favourably and give you a competitive edge.

They are particularly relevant in the tendering process and can result in more business for you in the long term.

They will also form part of the information, instruction, training that you do need to legally provide your employees with.

That’s not all, however. There is also a practical purpose of a method statement.

What is the purpose of a method statement?

Like a risk assessment, the method statement describes and identifies potential hazards that may occur during a particular task or within a certain role. It should outline the safety precautions that you need to put in place, and the ones the workers need to take.

Keep the statement as simple as possible to avoid misinterpretation or confusion. Make sure everyone who is involved reads, and understands the statement.

Ultimately, the safety of your staff is your main concern, and the statement should help you maintain this. With this in mind, remember, this document does not replace a risk assessment by safety professionals.

You can use risk assessments and method statements in tandem. They compliment each other well. There is even a term for this: risk assessment method statements (RAMS or CRAMS). This refers to the two documents together.

Always conduct a risk assessment first, take necessary precautions as this will help identify the hazards you need to address in your statement. Use the method document to expand on the control measures and detail how, when, and why you should implement them.

One other document that relates to both of the above is a permit to work. The permit authorises particular people to do certain types of work. This is essential for those taking on specific, high-risk tasks, such working at height and working with asbestos.

We’d recommend carrying out all these processes before asking an individual to undertake dangerous work.

Who is responsible for writing method statements?

Your method statement should be written by the responsible person within your workplace. You should ensure that they are competent and know the working procedures.

You should ensure that the method statement is shared with all of your employees that are affected by the particular procedures. You should also ensure that the proper steps are put into place to help your employees carry out their everyday tasks.

How to write a method statement

First, you need to know what will be in the document. We’ll provide a work method statement example at the end of this article. Before that, there are a couple of main areas you need to cover:

Basic information

This section should include:

• Project name and reference.
• A summary of the work.
• The location of the work.
• Start and expected completion dates for the work.
• Details about your company—include name, address, and contact details.
• Named health & safety contacts.

Further information

This section should include:

• First aid procedures, details of the qualified on-site first aider.
• Details of Permit to Work and any other legal requirements.
• Details of staff training that is required.
• All necessary equipment provided, such as scaffolding, plant, etc.
• The personal protective equipment (PPE) you’ll provide.
• Disposal of waste arrangements.

Identifying & managing risks

This section should clearly outline all risks presented by dangerous equipment, construction projects and the work being undertaken. You should provide step-by-step instructions and highlight all the control measures you are putting in place to protect workers.

Download your method statement template with Croner

Every workplace is different, so each will have its own risks to tackle. Our method statement example template is general, so will need to be tailored to your organisation.

Croner has over 80 years of experience helping employers and business owners with their health and safety obligations and help in writing their method statement. so you can rest in the knowledge that we have your best interests at heart.

If you need any further support managing health and safety in your workplace, contact a Croner expert on 0800 470 2874