23rd July, 2024
A method statement should include all the important information your team must know to get the job done safely. Here are 15 items your method statement needs, with an explanation for what you should include in each section.
A method statement is a safe system of work and acts like an instruction manual for a high-risk task or activity. But while the instructions for each task will be unique, the same type of information needs to be included in every method statement you write.
But what information is found in a method statement? Hazards? Risks? Control measures?
Yes, but you will also find this information in a risk assessment, and your method statement shouldn't be a repeat of that.
Method statements are different from risk assessments. They go into more detail and are required in addition to a risk assessment where the risks outlined in the risk assessment require complex or lengthy control measures to make the work safe.
Your method statement shouldn't just repeat the information included in the risk assessment. It should expand on the information. It should respond to the risks identified and explain what needs doing (and in what order) to complete the activity safely.
So what information should a method statement include?
You might not need to include all this information for every method statement, but you'll likely need most of it.
You'll definitely share your method statement with your team, but you might also share it with other people outside your business:
Include your business information, like your company name and contact information (more on that in "Key people").
If you create your method statements on HASpod, we'll automatically include your business name (and logo on the Documents Plan).
If your method statement is for construction, it's probably for a particular project. You might work on multiple projects a year, so include details like:
If your method statement is for a specific activity (as part of a larger project), include information on which activity the method statement is for.
Examples include:
Include a brief description of the work near the start of your method statement, e.g. The creation of a new wall opening including lintel installation.
This description isn't the system of work or procedure. It's a quick description so people know what the method statement is for.
Include the start and end dates for the activity. People reading your method statement need to know when the activity will happen - and if it is planned or completed.
What hours of work are expected for the task? Will it take place during the day or at night? Are there any restrictions? For example, noisy activities might be restricted to specific times near residential areas. Or your client might have specific requirements, especially if the work is within an occupied building.
Your method statement should include the details of the person writing it, in case of any questions or if clarification is needed before or during the work.
There might be several people involved in the task:
Make sure you include all relevant names and contact details, along with their responsibilities.
You don't need to repeat your risk assessment here, but you can outline the main hazards that you will be addressing during the sequence of work.
There may be other documents relating to the activity, that need to be referenced within the method statement, like:
The sequence of work is the planned work procedure and should be the core part of your method statement. It should include, on a stage-by-stage basis, the steps taken and precautions needed to protect the workers carrying out the task, and other people who may be present.
The sequence of work is a list of instructions in a logical order for your team to follow to complete the task safely.
It should include:
This part of your method statement can contain quite a lot of information, so try to break this area up into sections with headings where you can, and include lists, bullet points, images or diagrams to help make the information clear and easy to digest.
Your method statement should let people know what PPE they need, and when. For example, some PPE might only be needed during specific parts of the activity, like goggles and dust masks during cutting operations.
How will you manage the activity to ensure the method statement gets followed and the work is completed correctly (and safely)? You could monitor the activity through a combination of:
You should include information on who the first aiders are here (or under "Key people") and where other first aid provisions are like:
Welfare facilities are a legal requirement. Your workers should always have access to welfare facilities, like toilets, rest areas and drinking water. Include information on where these facilities are and how your team can access them. For example, will they use existing facilities, or will you provide temporary facilities?
If there's an emergency, what is the plan of action?
Now you know all the information you need to include, it's time to get started! Here are 10 tips for writing your method statement.
This article was written by Emma at HASpod. Emma has over 10 years experience in health and safety and BSc (Hons) Construction Management. She is NEBOSH qualified and Tech IOSH.
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Read PostMethod statements tell you how to complete activities safely. But while method statements are important, they can also be difficult documents to write. Where should you start? In this blog post, we give you 10 tips for writing a method statement.
Read PostA method statement should include all the important information your team must know to get the job done safely. Here are 15 items your method statement needs, with an explanation for what you should include in each section.
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