What is a Method Statement?

A Method Statement is a document used to describe how to control identified health and
safety risks following the preparation of a risk assessment. Method statements, which are
widely used in the construction industry, outline ways on performing a specific job or
accomplishing a project and ensures that necessary precautions or control measures are
communicated to those involved.

Creating methods of statement helps provide evidence that significant health & safety

risks have been identified and there are safety systems in place. Initially, it must be
written after performing a risk assessment for a job that will take place. As the job
commences,, the method statement serves as a ‘live’ document that will continually be
reviewed; this will help account any sudden occurrences that may need adoption of
revised work practices.
Method Statement, JSA and Risk Assessment: Which is
which?
Job Safety Analysis (JSA), risk assessment, and method statement are valuable safety
methodologies that all play an important role in identifying hazards and ensuring safe
working environments. Though they have similarities, these 3 processes serve different
purposes:
 Risk Assessment is a systematic examination of a workplace to: 1) Identify
hazards, 2) Assess injury severity and likelihood and 3) Implement control
measures. The scope of risk assessments are much broader and can cover an
entire workplace. It is often the first step used to prioritize hazard controls and
can then prompt a separate JSA or Method Statement for specific tasks or jobs.
Learn more about how to perform a risk assessment in our ultimate risk
assessment guide.
 JSA is s a process of looking at a specific work task (i.e. preparation of
chemicals) and considering what is the safest way to complete it. It involves
breaking down the task into specific steps and identifying hazards and preventive
measures. Learn more in our JSA guide here.
 Methods of Statement, as explained above, are job- or project-
focused; they document the key steps of completing the project safely, which are
communicated before work commencement. They serve as guides in organizing and
planning how to perform tasks efficiently and safely.
 Who should write a Method Statement?
A method statement should be developed by a supervisor, manager, or any competent
person who is adept with the working processes being reviewed. In the
construction industry, it may be required that method statements be agreed on between a
client, contractor, and principal contractor.
Further, method statements are recommended to be written by those involved in these
situations:
 Self-employed
 Those carrying out work that is high-risk
 Those carrying out work that is complex 
 Those responsible for performing risk assessments as part of a job 
How to Write a Good Method Statement?
Method statements should not be too complicated and written clearly. They should be
easily understood by those who carry out the work and their immediate supervisors to
avoid confusion. To write a good method statement, here are some fundamental questions
that it should answer: 
1. What work is to be done? – this includes scope, problem statement or
description of work, and equipment and tools to be used.
2. What are the tasks involved? – list all tasks or processes to finish the
work. Also determine the responsible staff or member for each task.
3. What are the hazards that may cause potential harm to workers?  –
perform a basic risk assessment to identify hazards associated with the tasks.
4. What measures are to be implemented? – determine control and
preventive measures including emergency procedures in place.
5. Was the method statement validated? – validate the method statement by
having all involved worker sign off.
Method statement templates are often used by organizations to ensure consistency in
documentation.

 I Auditor Mobile App for Efficient Method Statements

Method statements are important safety documents, but can be time consuming to
prepare, burdensome to capture signatures and easy to lose. A digital solution like
iAuditor can:

 Replace paper method statement templates with a mobile app

 Complete reports on the spot with the use of your hand-held device
 Validate audits by gathering electronic signatures faster and easier
 Save all reports online and automatically share it with members of your
organization. Preview a sample report.
 Use for free with small teams. Unlimited reports and storage for premium
accounts
To help you get started, we have created 4 method statement templates you can download
for free and fully customize – no programming skills required!

Featured Method Statement Templates

Work Method Statement Template
This work method statement template is used to document tasks involved in a specific
task, associated hazards, and its precautionary measures. Customize it according to your
industry and maximize the use of this template by following the steps below:

1. Describe the scope of work

2. Define the tasks and associated risks
3. Provide control measures for the identified risks
4. Add all involved personnel
5. Complete documentation by signing off with digital signature
Open the PDF file to see a finished example of work method statement with this
template.

Construction Method Statement Template

A construction method statement template is a tool used by the construction industry to

manage work and ensure that necessary precautions are set and communicated to workers
involved. A construction method statement is an essential requirement for HSE (Health &
Safety Executive) regulations. Consider the following points below to benefit from this
method statement template:

1. Take or attach photo of site

2. Determine employees assigned to supervise and employees involved in the work
or project
3. List down the work or project methodology and identify the associated hazards
and control measures
4. Provide emergency procedures and contact details
5. Complete by signing off on whole document and the method statement briefing
record