Purpose
A method statement describes how a specific task will be carried out safely, step by step. It turns the control measures from your risk assessment into a practical, ordered sequence that operatives can follow on site. Together, the risk assessment and method statement make up RAMS, the safety document that clients and principal contractors almost always ask for before work begins.
This template gives you a clear structure covering the scope, the sequence of works, the plant and materials, the people and their competence, PPE, and what to do in an emergency.
When to Use This Template
- Before starting any significant or higher-risk task on site
- As the method statement half of your RAMS documentation
- When a client or principal contractor requests a safe system of work
- For activities such as working at height, excavation, lifting, hot works, or demolition
- When a subcontractor needs to set out how they will carry out their package
- Whenever the sequence or method of work changes
The Template
Method Statement
| Document Reference: | [MS-001] |
| Date: | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Revision: | [Rev 1] |
| Project / Site: | [Enter project name and location] |
| Task / Activity: | [e.g. Installation of structural steel beams] |
| Prepared By: | [Name, role] |
| Associated Risk Assessment: | [RA reference number] |
1. Scope of Works
[Describe exactly what work this method statement covers, and what it does not. E.g. "Installation of six structural steel beams to first floor level using a mobile crane. Excludes groundworks and decking, covered separately."]
2. Sequence of Works
[Set out the task as a clear, numbered sequence of steps in the order they will be carried out. E.g. 1. Establish exclusion zone. 2. Position and set up mobile crane on assessed ground. 3. Attach certified lifting accessories. 4. Lift and land each beam. 5. Bolt up and check. 6. Release crane.]
3. Plant, Equipment and Materials
| Item | Details / Certification |
|---|---|
| [e.g. Mobile crane] | [Capacity, current thorough examination / LOLER certificate] |
| [e.g. Lifting accessories] | [Slings and shackles, in-date inspection tags] |
| [Add rows as needed] |
4. People and Competence
| Role | Competence / Certification Required |
|---|---|
| [e.g. Crane operator] | [e.g. CPCS / NPORS, current] |
| [e.g. Slinger / signaller] | [e.g. CPCS slinger signaller] |
| [e.g. Appointed person] | [Lift plan responsibility] |
5. PPE Required
[List the minimum PPE for this task. E.g. "Hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, gloves. Additional task-specific PPE as identified in the risk assessment."]
6. Permits and Key Controls
[List any permits to work required (hot works, confined space, excavation), and the key control measures carried over from the risk assessment. Reference the associated RA.]
7. Emergency Arrangements
[State the emergency procedure, first aid provision, location of the nearest hospital, assembly point, and emergency contact numbers. Include rescue arrangements for the specific task where relevant, e.g. work at height rescue plan.]
8. Sign-Off and Briefing
| Role | Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared By | |||
| Approved By |
All operatives carrying out this task must be briefed on this method statement and sign to confirm they understand it before work begins.
How to Customise This Template
- Base the method statement on the hazards and controls identified in the associated risk assessment
- Write the sequence of works as clear, ordered steps that an operative can actually follow
- Be specific about plant, certification and the competence required for each role
- Include realistic emergency and rescue arrangements for the specific task, not just a generic line
- Brief every operative on the method statement and record their sign-off before work starts
- Re-issue a new revision if the method, sequence or site conditions change
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a method statement?
A method statement is a document that sets out how a specific construction task will be carried out safely, step by step. It describes the safe sequence of work, the plant and equipment, the people and their competence, the PPE, and the emergency arrangements, turning the controls from a risk assessment into a practical plan.
What is the difference between a method statement and RAMS?
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. The risk assessment identifies the hazards and controls, and the method statement describes the safe step-by-step method of work. RAMS is simply the two documents combined, which is what clients and principal contractors usually ask for.
When do I need a method statement?
A method statement is generally needed for significant or higher-risk tasks such as working at height, excavation, lifting operations, hot works and demolition, and whenever a client or principal contractor requests a safe system of work before allowing work to start.
What should a method statement include?
A good method statement includes the scope of works, a numbered sequence of works, the plant, equipment and materials with certification, the people and competence required, the PPE, any permits and key controls, emergency arrangements, and a sign-off with a record that operatives have been briefed.
Who should write and sign a method statement?
A method statement should be prepared by someone competent who understands the task and its risks, such as a site manager, supervisor or the subcontractor carrying out the work. It should be approved by a responsible person, and every operative doing the task should be briefed and sign to confirm they understand it.
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