Method Statements Documents

It's best when we ask ourselves what is a method statement, to simplify the question and ask, 'What is the method? Although this is a health and safety document and its primary purpose is to help people carry out tasks safely, at its core it's just a set of instructions. It's a health and safety document detailing how elements of work or specific tasks should be carried out in a safe manner.

At the top of the page you let people know what type of health and safety document this is, followed by the specific task. In this case it is:

Method Statement – Brick and blockwork

The next lines are about who created the document and who it's for, and read:

Prepared by YOUR COMPANY NAME
For: NAME OF PROJECT/CONTRACT NUMBER

This method statement describes the work process for the following

1. Start of works
2. Setting out
3. Basic workmanship
4. Finishing

Now you can start to expand on each section of the scope of works. Letting people know what order to do things in and how to carry out each task in a safe manner:

1. Start of works

1. Read relevant risk and COSHH assessment and follow guidelines for the correct PPE.

2. Sheet up and protect work area and surrounding, including signage and barriers as required.

3. Visually inspect work area and only begin works if it is a safe working environment.

4. Cordon off work area if required to do so.

5. Ensure the area to be worked and exit points are clear of obstruction and that safe access and egress is maintained.

6. Check any electrical or hand tools for damage or faults, faulty or damaged tools must be removed from service immediately.

7. Do not leave tools and equipment unattended at any time

After the entire work process has been described it is important to sign and date the document.

The document should be site-specific and contain various elements such as company name, document author, date created, project details, as well as a step by step guide listing a safe system for carrying out a task. On most occasions when we buy flat packed furniture, the instructions are pictorial and can be understood in any language. Additionally, if there is a right and wrong way to do something where the wrong way may damage the product or cause injury to the person assembling the furniture, there are usually two pictures: One with a green tick and the other with a red cross. In effect, this is a health and safety document or a method statement listing the order of works and how to carry out each task safely.