What is Method Statements?
Method statements transform risk assessments into practical working instructions that frontline workers can follow. This module provides a structured approach to documenting safe systems of work for high-risk activities, ensuring consistency and legal defensibility.
A method statement will typically split each task into a series of steps, identify the hazards associated with each step, specify the controls to be put in place and PPE to be used and the necessary competencies. Method statements can be mapped to risk assessments to make sure the hazards match those documented in the method statement.
Version control allows the capturing of change over time. The distribution features of the system allow workers to acknowledge they have received and read the most recent procedures. Digital signatures allow the worker to verify understanding before work begins, which provides audit evidence of briefing and instruction.
Regulatory Compliance
- • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 2(2)(a)
- • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- • ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.2 - Eliminating hazards and reducing OH&S risks
Key Benefits
Standardised safe procedures reduce human error and incidents
Clear instructions improve contractor and temporary worker safety
Legal compliance with documented safe systems of work
Audit trail proves workers were briefed on safe methods
Version control ensures workers access current procedures
Integration with permits ensures high-risk work is properly controlled
Features & Capabilities
Step-by-step procedure builder with hazard mapping
PPE and competency requirement specification
Emergency procedure and rescue arrangement documentation
Risk assessment and permit cross-referencing
Template library for common activities
Version control and change management
Digital briefing and worker acknowledgment
Photo and diagram attachment for visual clarity
How It Works
Select activity template or create new method statement from scratch
Document step-by-step procedures with hazards identified at each stage
Specify control measures, PPE, and competency requirements
Link related risk assessments, permits, and COSHH assessments
Issue to workers with digital acknowledgment before work commences
Frequently asked questions
- What is Method Statements?
- Safe system of work documentation detailing step-by-step procedures, PPE requirements, emergency arrangements, and permit linkage.
- How does Method Statements work?
- Select activity template or create new method statement from scratch. Document step-by-step procedures with hazards identified at each stage. Specify control measures, PPE, and competency requirements. Link related risk assessments, permits, and COSHH assessments. Issue to workers with digital acknowledgment before work commences.
- What are the main benefits of Method Statements?
- Standardised safe procedures reduce human error and incidents. Clear instructions improve contractor and temporary worker safety. Legal compliance with documented safe systems of work. Audit trail proves workers were briefed on safe methods.
- Which regulations does Method Statements help you comply with?
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 2(2)(a). Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. ISO 45001:2018 Clause 8.1.2 - Eliminating hazards and reducing OH&S risks.
Related Modules in Risk & COSHH
Risk Assessment
Comprehensive risk assessment system using UK HSE 5×5 matrix methodology with hazard identification, control measure tracking, and review scheduling.
COSHH Assessment
Assessments of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health with built in extraction of SDS data, analysis of exposure routes and PPE requirements.
Manual Handling
Manual handling risk assessments using TILEO methodology with load characteristics, posture analysis, and musculoskeletal injury prevention.
Industry sectors that use this module
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