Health and Safety Method Statements
What Are They?
Method statements are detailed documents that outline how specific work activities should be carried out safely.
Their main purpose is to describe the step-by-step process for performing a task, while identifying the safety precautions and control measures needed to manage the risks previously identified in a risk assessment.
A method statement typically includes:
- A breakdown of the task into logical steps
- Identification of hazards involved at each stage
- Control measures to mitigate those risks
- Equipment to be used, including tools, control measures, and PPE
- Specific instructions for safely executing high-risk tasks
These documents form part of a wider Safe System of Work.
Why Do You Need Them?
While method statements are not legally required by name, they support legal compliance by offering clear, practical instructions to help manage and control risks—especially for high-risk activities.
They are strongly recommended across industries such as construction, demolition, engineering, agriculture and manufacturing, where the risks are often complex and significant.
Employers in these sectors have legal obligations under multiple UK regulations, including:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASWA)
- Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR)
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Working at Height Regulations 2005 (amended 2007)
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
In industries like construction and agriculture, where, Dangerous tools are in use, Work is carried out at height, Exposure to hazardous materials is common method statements are especially vital. The construction industry has a fatal injury rate three times higher than the all-industry average. Well-written method statements significantly reduce this risk by making safety instructions clear, practical, and enforceable.
What Can We Offer?
We provide bespoke method statements (Safe Systems of Work) tailored to your business, your site, and your specific operations.
Our service includes:
- Development of clear, step-by-step instructions for safe task completion
- Integration of all identified risks from your risk assessments
- Identification of required control measures, tools, equipment, and PPE
- Easy-to-follow format to ensure worker understanding and compliance
- Logical sequencing that reflects how tasks are carried out in real-time
These documents are designed to protect your workforce, site visitors, and the public, and to help you demonstrate compliance with health and safety legislation.
Safe Work Starts with a Clear Plan
Let us help you develop professional, clear, and compliant method statements to support safe, efficient, and legally sound operations—especially for high-risk environments.