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

Published 5 March 2026

3 min read

The Short Answer

A risk assessment identifies what could go wrong and how likely it is. A method statement describes how the work will actually be done safely. Together, they form a RAMS document (Risk Assessment and Method Statement).

Think of it this way: the risk assessment asks "what could hurt someone?" and the method statement answers "here is how we will prevent that from happening."

Risk Assessment: Identifying Hazards

A risk assessment is a systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risks they present, and deciding on control measures. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer must carry out risk assessments for their work activities.

A good risk assessment includes:

• Identification of hazards (falling from height, manual handling, electrical, etc.)
• Who might be harmed and how
• Existing control measures
• Risk rating (likelihood x severity)
• Additional controls needed
• Review date

Method Statement: The Safe System of Work

A method statement is a step-by-step description of how a task will be carried out safely. It is sometimes called a Safe System of Work (SSOW). While not always a legal requirement, CDM 2015 and most principal contractors will require them for high-risk activities.

A good method statement includes:

• Description of the work
• Sequence of operations (step by step)
• Plant and equipment needed
• Materials and substances used
• PPE requirements
• Emergency procedures
• Competence requirements

When Do You Need Each One?

Scenario	Risk Assessment	Method Statement
General site activities	Required	Optional
Working at height	Required	Required
Hot works	Required	Required
Excavation	Required	Required
Demolition	Required	Required
Confined spaces	Required	Required

RAMS: When They Work Together

In practice, most UK construction sites combine both documents into a single RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement). This makes sense because the risk assessment informs the method statement. You identify the hazards first, then describe the safe way to do the work.

A combined RAMS document is usually what your principal contractor will ask for before you start any work on site. It should be task-specific, reviewed regularly, and signed by workers who have read and understood it.

Common Mistakes

• Generic documents: Copy-pasting from templates without tailoring to the specific task and site conditions
• Not reviewing: Using the same RAMS from six months ago without checking if conditions have changed
• Workers not briefed: Having perfect paperwork that nobody on site has actually read
• Missing signatures: Failing to get workers to sign that they understand the RAMS

How FORGE Command Helps

FORGE Command makes creating, managing, and distributing RAMS simple. Create digital risk assessments and method statements on your phone, get workers to sign digitally, and keep a permanent record of everything. No more lost paperwork or outdated documents floating around site.