Risk Assessment vs Method Statement: What's the Difference?

Key Takeaways

• A risk assessment is a description of risks and those who may be affected and what should be done to address the risks.
• A method statement details how to accomplish a task safely.
• Both concepts combined together define RAMS that stands for a risk assessment and a method statement.
• Specific documents are of more help than generic documents.
• Digital techniques are helpful in linking the assessments with method statements, reviews, and approvals.

Introduction

A risk assessment shows a worker where the danger lies, but it does not tell them how to do the job safely. That is where a method statement comes in. For contractors, site managers and health and safety professionals, knowing the difference matters because good safety documents should support safe work, not simply fill a folder.

What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment identifies the risk(s) that might cause harm, the people who might be harmed, how great the risk is, and the controls that might be necessary. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers in Great Britain to carry out a risk assessment covering their employees and others affected by their work.

A helpful assessment ought to mirror the real work, work environment and individuals included.

A contractor installing roof panels, for instance, might find that falls from height, fragile surfaces, falling materials and weather conditions are identified, and then specify appropriate controls.

The question to ask is: "What can possibly go wrong and how will we manage the risk?"