What Is a Method Statement?
A method statement explains how a defined activity will be carried out, in what sequence, with which controls and by whom. It turns the relevant risk and planning information into instructions that a competent work team can use.
Direct answer
What is a method statement?
It is a written description of the safe work method for a defined activity. It should be specific enough to guide the work, link to the relevant hazards and controls, and be reviewed when the activity or conditions change.
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What a useful method statement contains
The exact headings depend on the organisation and activity, but a usable statement normally identifies the task, scope, resources, sequence, hazards, controls, competence requirements, emergency response and evidence that the team received the instruction.
- Activity, location and scope
- People, plant, tools and materials
- Step-by-step sequence
- Hazards, controls and required PPE
- Competence, supervision and communication
- Emergency arrangements, inspections and records
It does not replace risk assessment
The risk assessment identifies and evaluates hazards; the method statement explains how the activity will be controlled in practice. The two should agree, and the work team should stop and escalate when actual conditions differ materially from the documented method.
Practical checklist
- Define the activity and work boundaries.
- Check the linked risk assessment and legal/project requirements.
- Describe the sequence in language the work team understands.
- Name functional responsibilities without inventing people.
- Explain hold points, inspections and emergency actions.
- Brief the affected team and retain evidence of communication.
Common mistakes
- Copying a generic method that does not match the site.
- Listing PPE without controlling the hazard at source where possible.
- Writing a method no worker can use in the field.
- Failing to review the method after a change or near miss.
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Keep building your system
Use the related resources as a starting point, then adapt the documents to your work, risks, client requirements and operating arrangements.
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