What is a Method Statement?

A method statement is a sequence of steps taken to complete a work task in a safe manner. The method statement should be written by a person that is competent in the task.

Under no circumstances should a purely generic "ready to print" method statement be used because if there are any accidents or near misses, a non-specific document will be quickly identified and prosecutions may follow.

When a method statement is prepared, the risks are identified during the work sequence. Steps taken to reduce the risk are then determined. Next a series of steps are written down that are to be followed by the person or persons carrying out the works. This sequence of steps should include all health and safety aspects, such as personal protective equipment requirements, tools and equipment, and importantly, safety related equipment such as scaffolding.

All control measures that have been determined whilst preparing a method statement and/or risk assessment should be used as a "tool box" talk prior to the works being carried out. By performing an overview of the method statement and/or risk assessment during the "tool box" talk, everyone involved will have a clear understanding of the work to be carried out, as well as the safe work method sequences and safety equipment required.

A very good way of removing any confusion people may have regarding method statements is to think of the entire task as a cooking recipe.......

You need ingredients. You need to know what to do with the ingredients and in what sequence the ingredients are used to create the end product.

Here is a very simple example:-

Method Statement for Making a Cup of Coffee

Ingredients:- coffee powder, milk, sugar and boiling water.

Equipment Needed:- kettle, spoon and mug.

Potential hazards:- Burns from the kettle or contents, electrical shock from power cable/source.

Method:- Ensure that the kettle's electric cable and the kettle itself are in good condition and that there are no frayed cables or loose connections into the plug. (In the UK this appliance would be PAT tested - "Portable Appliance Testing").

The kettle will be filled with the required amount of water, the plug inserted into the power socket, and the kettle turned on.

The desired amount of coffee granules will then be placed into the mug using a spoon.

Once the kettle has boiled, it will be unplugged and the boiled water will be poured into the mug. Milk and sugar will be added to taste.

If the coffee is made for other people, they will be informed that the drink is hot.

. . . . . . . . . .

The above example is obviously very basic, but even the simple task of making coffee carries some hazards and steps must be taken to reduce any risks.

This was a basic example of the risk and assessment process. Our Method Statement and Risk Assessment Pack contains some worked examples, from very basic to more advanced assessments, as well as blank templates in MS Word format for easy editing.

Our Method Statement and Risk Assessment Pack also includes resources and information to help you complete your assessments.