Method Statement Example (UK)

The quickest way to understand a method statement is to see one laid out section by section. This guide walks through a worked example so you can see what each part should say, then gives you a template to adapt for your own job.

What a method statement is

A method statement sets out, step by step, how a particular job will be done safely. It takes the controls from your risk assessment and turns them into a practical sequence of work. Paired with the risk assessment, the two together are called RAMS, explained in our method statements and RAMS guide.

The sections, with an example

Take replacing a shopfront window as the example.

1. Project and site details. The client, address, dates and who wrote it.
2. Scope of work. Remove the damaged glazing and install a new toughened unit to the shopfront.
3. Sequence of work. Set up the exclusion zone, remove beads and old glass, prepare the opening, lift and set the new unit with suction handling, bead and seal, clean down.
4. Hazards and controls. Cuts from glass, manual handling of the unit, public passing by; controls are cut resistant gloves, a two person lift with suction cups, and a barriered exclusion zone.
5. Plant, equipment and PPE. Suction lifters, hand tools, gloves, eye protection, hard hats.
6. Responsibilities and emergencies. Who supervises, first aid arrangements and the emergency contact.

Keep it specific

A good method statement describes this job on this site, not a generic process. The detail is what makes it useful to the people doing the work and credible to the client.

Use the template

Our method statement and RAMS template gives you every section ready to complete, with the risk assessment alongside it.