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How to Write a Method Statement for the Workplace

A method statement is a health and safety document that outlines the processes and procedures required to carry out a specific task safely and effectively. Learning how to write a method statement can often seem overwhelming and time-consuming for individuals new to writing method statements, particularly in complex or specialised industries. Yet the perceived complexity is usually caused by feeling anxious about not knowing how to write a method statement. Your body can release stress hormones, such as adrenaline, while at rest, which can induce a range of physiological responses. The heart rate escalates significantly, and rapid or shallow breathing signals that the body is preparing for a perceived threat. Prolonged stimulation can lead to feelings of anxiety and restlessness, as the excess adrenaline creates a sense of unease when there is no physical outlet to channel this burst of energy.

Additionally, sustained muscle tension can contribute to discomfort or pain. This physiological state—characterised by a readiness to react—can result in persistent symptoms, impacting both mental and physical well-being if not addressed. Overall, the body's inability to dissipate this built-up energy can lead to a cycle of stress and discomfort that exacerbates feelings of anxiety, making it essential to find effective ways to relax and restore balance.

Yet if you know how to write a method statement, then its perceived complexity and the accompanying anxiety should never materialise. And let's face it, the manufacturer usually sets out the method for using a product. So:

  • If a worker were applying a bead of silicone sealant between ceramic wall tiles and the top of a bath, they would do this as per the manufacturer's instructions.
  • If a plumber were fitting a thermostatic valve on a radiator, they would do so according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • If a painter were painting a wall with emulsion, they would follow the manufacturer's instructions.

We need to create a method statement for products for which the manufacturer has already provided instructions for their use. If it's not the manufacturer's instructions, workers are following it; it could be an architect's drawing that gives spacing and fixing methods, as well as the order of works. So the question we need to ask ourselves  is: "Why do we need to create a method statement at all?"

The answer to this, in its simplest form, is that we must inform workers on how to carry out tasks safely. We are not giving them instructions on how to carry out their job, as they should be trained experts in their field. Instead, we are detailing how to set up and execute a task in a manner that minimises the potential Risk of injuries to the worker, injuries to others, or harm to buildings or the environment.

The importance of a method statement lies in its ability to outline each step involved in a task and implement the control measures identified during the risk assessment process, all while prioritising workplace safety. This is especially relevant for those undertaking a task for the first time. Method statements are crucial for construction workers involved in high-risk activities or those utilising hazardous tools and materials. Although not mandated by law, they are often requested in conjunction with a risk assessment, especially during tendering processes. A well-structured method statement not only specifies the steps and procedures needed to ensure safety and compliance but also identifies potential hazards associated with the project. It details the measures to mitigate these risks.

Here's a more detailed and refined breakdown:

When to Use a Method Statement:

  1. High-Risk Activities: Method statements are essential for tasks that present significant hazards. This includes activities such as working at heights, where falls could potentially result in serious injury; handling hazardous materials, which can pose health risks if not managed correctly; operating heavy machinery that requires specific training and adherence to safety protocols; and complex demolition work, which involves structural integrity concerns and potential exposure to dangerous substances. The careful articulation of each step in these activities is critical for minimising risks.
  2. Complex Procedures: For tasks that involve multiple sequences or specialised equipment, a method statement serves to outline the operational process clearly. This clarity helps ensure that all team members, regardless of their level of experience, can follow established protocols. In particular, when specific safety precautions are mandated—like the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), or implementing specific handling techniques—having a detailed method statement is invaluable.
  3. Construction Projects: Construction sites are inherently fraught with risks due to the dynamic nature of the work. Method statements are standard documentation required for various tasks such as steel erection, where structural safety is paramount; formwork installation, which necessitates a meticulous approach to ensure stability; and working with hazardous substances, which requires adherence to strict regulatory guidelines. These documents not only facilitate compliance with safety regulations but also promote efficient workflow on-site.
  4. Tender Processes: In competitive bidding situations, clients frequently request method statements as part of the tender documentation. This allows them to evaluate a contractor's proficiency and accountability in safety practices. A well-crafted method statement signals to potential clients that the contractor has a systematic approach to risk management and values a safe working environment, thereby enhancing their credibility and appeal in the bidding process.
  5. When Risk Cannot Be Eliminated: In scenarios where risk assessments reveal hazards that cannot be entirely eradicated, a method statement becomes imperative. It meticulously describes how these risks will be managed and controlled through specific measures, such as implementing safety barriers, conducting regular safety drills, or ensuring continuous monitoring of hazard conditions. This proactive approach helps protect personnel while enabling operations to continue.
  6. Changes in Project or Team: Whenever there is a significant change in the project scope, team dynamics, or work location, it is vital to develop a new method statement. These changes may introduce new risks or necessitate alternative safety measures, making it crucial to reassess and update protocols to accurately reflect the current situation. This flexible approach ensures that safety remains a priority as projects evolve.

The Key Purpose of a Method Statement is:

  1. To Communicate Safe Working Practices: Method statements provide a step-by-step guide on performing tasks safely. By outlining procedures and safety precautions, they ensure that workers clearly understand their responsibilities and the correct methods to work within a culture of safety.
  2. To Identify and Mitigate Hazards: These documents effectively outline potential hazards associated with a task and prescribe strategies to minimise or eliminate risks. This proactive identification and management of hazards are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved.
  3. To Ensure a Safe Working Environment: By detailing necessary safety measures, emergency procedures, and first aid arrangements, method statements help establish a safer workplace. This thorough preparation ensures that workers are equipped to handle emergencies effectively, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety.
  4. To Demonstrate Commitment to Safety: A method statement serves as a testament to an organisation's commitment to health and safety. 

The Key Features for Writing a Method Statement Correctly:

Section 1—Titles: This section of a method statement outlines the document's basis, including the task's name (e.g., removing a bathroom suite), the company name, and the name of the project for which the document was created.

Section 2 - Start of Works: This section outlines key considerations you must take before commencing the task. Usually, as a standard, the first line of a method statement instructs the reader to review any relevant risk assessments and COSHH assessments before proceeding. 

Examples of other instructions in this section would be :

  • Corner your workspace to make sure it is safe from other workers
  • Put up signage in your work area to indicate the work being done
  • Check your tools for any faults. Inspect your work area for any safety issues.

Section 3 - Method for Carrying Out the Task: This section must be detailed enough to explain each step of the task, yet clear enough for anyone to understand and follow without confusion. For example, 'peel off any silicone sealant from around the bath edging using a scraper'. This is detailed enough to explain what needs to be done, but not too complex to confuse the reader. The final instruction in this section typically concerns clearing the site you have been working on and safely storing tools to ensure nobody gets injured after you leave the site.

Section 4 - Sign Off: This section provides the legal identification of the document author, their signature and date the document was written.