Ensuring proper safety protocols can be a top priority. Method statements are one strategy you can use to mitigate risks, maintain safe working conditions and communicate important procedural information to your team. Knowing how to create an effective method statement can help you ensure the safety and success of your project.
What is a method statement?
A method statement is a document that explains the correct procedures, safety precautions and work requirements of a project. Particularly high-risk projects that require careful management and planning often use method statements to outline how to complete specific components of a project safely and efficiently. They allow managers, employees and clients to ensure jobs have the proper planning, resources and protections they need to be successful.
Method statements are important because they detail exactly how to implement safety measures and help teams eliminate risks associated with a job. This is especially important when projects involve high-risk elements like dangerous equipment, hazardous materials or heights. Method statements are an essential tool for mitigating risks and protecting site visitors, construction workers and project managers from harm.
There are typically three types of method statements used on projects: tender method. work method, and safety method statements. There is also another type of method statement called a ‘submission method statement’, which is designed to sell the contractor’s competence and experience to a potential client. It shows how the contract is to be carried out and identifies, for the client’s attention, potential areas to save time and money on the project.
How to create a method statement?
To create a method statement follow the steps below:
- Perform a risk assessment,
- Provide relevant company and job information,
- Provide relevant company and job information,
- Include additional details,
- Write step-by-step instructions,
- Revise statements for new locations, equipment and guidelines.
Difference between method statements and risk assessments
The method statement normally accompanies the risk assessment and is designed to ensure that all personnel associated with the task are aware of the planned process, potential hazards and controls involved. As the two most common health and safety documents, risk assessments and method statements are often confused with each other. While both documents aim to improve the safety of work sites, they’re not the same thing. Risk assessments identify and assess the hazards and risks involved in projects and suggest control measures. Method statements expand on the control measures outlined in the risk assessment, detailing how, when and why you should implement measures.