Purpose
A method statement (also called a safe system of work) describes how a specific task or activity will be carried out safely on a construction site. It details the sequence of work, the hazards involved, and the controls needed to manage risks. Method statements are a legal requirement under CDM 2015 and are typically requested by principal contractors before work begins.
When to Use This Template
- Before starting any high-risk construction activity
- When a principal contractor requests RAMS documentation
- For work involving demolition, excavation, hot works, or confined spaces
- When subcontractors need to demonstrate safe working procedures
- As part of CDM 2015 compliance documentation
- When tendering for contracts that require safety documentation
The Template
METHOD STATEMENT
| Document Reference: | [MS-001] |
| Revision: | [Rev A] |
| Date: | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Project Name: | [Enter project name] |
| Site Address: | [Enter full site address] |
| Client: | [Client name] |
| Principal Contractor: | [PC name] |
| Prepared By: | [Name, role] |
| Approved By: | [Name, role, date] |
1. Description of Works
[Describe the specific task or activity this method statement covers. Be precise — e.g. "Installation of structural steelwork to first floor level including crane operations, bolted connections, and temporary bracing."]
2. Location of Works
[Identify the exact area on site where the work will take place. Reference drawing numbers if applicable.]
3. Sequence of Operations
- [Step 1: Site preparation and area clearance — ensure exclusion zone is established and barriers in place]
- [Step 2: Delivery and storage of materials — check materials against specification, store safely]
- [Step 3: Equipment setup and inspection — pre-use checks on all plant and equipment]
- [Step 4: Main works — describe each phase of the task in chronological order]
- [Step 5: Quality checks — inspect completed work against specification]
- [Step 6: Site clearance — remove waste, clean area, remove barriers]
4. Resources Required
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Personnel | [List roles and number of operatives required, e.g. 1x Site Supervisor, 2x Steel Erectors, 1x Crane Operator] |
| Plant & Equipment | [List all plant and equipment, e.g. mobile crane, MEWP, torque wrench, spirit level] |
| Materials | [List materials required for the task] |
| PPE Required | [List specific PPE — hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, harness etc.] |
5. Hazards and Control Measures
| Hazard | Risk Level | Control Measure |
|---|---|---|
| [Working at height] | [High] | [Edge protection, safety harness with lanyard, trained operatives, rescue plan in place] |
| [Manual handling] | [Medium] | [Mechanical lifting where possible, team lifts, training, weight limits observed] |
| [Falling objects] | [High] | [Exclusion zone below, toe boards, tool lanyards, hard hats mandatory] |
| [Noise exposure] | [Medium] | [Hearing protection in designated zones, equipment with noise suppression] |
| [Add more rows as needed] | [L/M/H] | [Describe specific control measures] |
6. Emergency Procedures
[Detail emergency procedures including first aid arrangements, fire assembly point, nearest A&E, emergency contact numbers, and rescue plans for work at height or confined spaces.]
7. Environmental Considerations
[Identify environmental risks: dust, noise, water pollution, waste disposal. State mitigation measures such as damping down, silt traps, licensed waste removal.]
8. Training and Competence
[List required qualifications, CSCS cards, specific training certificates (e.g. IPAF, CPCS, PASMA), and confirmation that all operatives have been briefed on this method statement.]
9. Communication
[How will this method statement be communicated? Toolbox talk, site induction, briefing record. All operatives must sign below to confirm understanding.]
10. Sign-Off
| Name | Role | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
How to Customise This Template
- Replace all bracketed placeholder text with your project-specific information
- Add or remove hazard rows based on the actual risks of your task
- Include relevant drawing references and specification clauses
- Ensure the sequence of operations matches your planned workflow exactly
- Get the document reviewed and signed by the site manager before work starts
- Attach any relevant risk assessments, COSHH assessments, or permits to work
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