Method statement examples UK 2026: real-world examples and what they must include

A method statement is the half of a RAMS that explains exactly how a job will be done safely. Risk assessments identify what could go wrong; method statements describe what you will actually do. Without a clear, step-by-step method statement, even the best risk assessment is just paperwork. This guide walks through method statement examples for several UK trades, the structure that works, and what main contractors look for in 2026.

What a method statement actually is

A method statement is a written document that describes the sequence of operations for a specific construction activity, the equipment involved, the personnel required, and the safety controls in place at each step. It answers the question: "show me, step-by-step, exactly how you will do this work safely." A risk assessment by itself does not do this; it identifies hazards but does not describe the actions taken.

UK construction practice almost always combines risk assessment and method statement into a single document called RAMS. Main contractors typically reject documents that have a risk assessment but no method statement, because the practical question - "how, exactly, are you going to do this?" - has not been answered.

The structure of a method statement

A complete UK method statement in 2026 has these sections:

1. Scope of works. What activity does this method statement cover? Be specific. "Erect a 3-lift access scaffold to the rear elevation of a 2-storey commercial building" is specific. "Scaffolding works" is not.
2. Site information. Address, principal contractor, site supervisor, access arrangements, working hours, any restrictions.
3. Sequence of operations. Step-by-step list of every action, in order, with the safety considerations at each step.
4. Plant and equipment. Every tool, piece of plant, and piece of equipment used. With inspection regime and competency requirements.
5. Materials. What materials will be on site, how they will be stored, and any COSHH considerations.
6. Personnel. Roles required, qualifications needed for each role, and the supervisor responsible for the work.
7. PPE. Required PPE per task, with British Standard references where applicable.
8. Emergency procedures. Site-specific arrangements for first aid, fire, evacuation, and accident reporting.
9. Sign-off. Who wrote the method statement, who reviewed it, when it expires, version number.

Method statement example: scaffolding

Scope: Erection of a 4-lift independent scaffold to the front elevation of a domestic property for re-roofing work. Working height: 6 metres. Public footpath protection required.

Sequence of operations:

1. Site arrival and induction with main contractor.
2. Walk-around to identify final hazards: overhead lines, ground conditions, access routes.
3. Vehicle parked in designated area; cones and signage erected for public safety.
4. Ground sole boards laid and standards positioned per design drawings.
5. Standards checked plumb and connected with ledger transoms at first lift level.
6. Boards laid and toe boards fitted at first lift before access permitted.
7. Subsequent lifts erected following SG4:22 sequence: standards, ledgers, transoms, decking, edge protection.
8. Public footpath protection (debris netting and brick guards) installed at each lift.
9. Top guardrail (910mm) and intermediate guardrail (470mm) fitted; toe boards 150mm minimum height.
10. Independent scaffold inspector to scope-test on completion before handover to client.
11. Scafftag fitted with inspection date, inspector name, and weekly inspection schedule.

Plant and equipment: tube and fitting components per TG20:21, hop-up boards, scaffold spanners (PUWER inspected), proprietary fittings (LOLER inspection where applicable), debris netting (BS EN 1263-1).

Personnel: One CISRS card-holder Advanced Scaffolder as supervisor, two CISRS Trainee/Part 1 holders for assembly. All holders' card numbers verified.

PPE: Hard hats (BS EN 397), safety boots (BS EN ISO 20345), high-visibility clothing (BS EN ISO 20471), gloves (BS EN 388), full body harness (BS EN 361) when working without leading edge protection.

Method statement example: electrical rewire

Scope: Full rewire of a 3-bedroom domestic property including new consumer unit, replacement lighting circuits, and Part P notification.

Sequence of operations:

1. Site arrival, customer briefing, and verification of property occupation status.
2. Initial dead-test of existing installation per BS 7671 to confirm dead conditions.
3. Lock-off and tag-out of the supply at the meter cabinet.
4. Verification of dead-condition with a known voltage indicator (approved test instrument, calibration in date).
5. Removal of existing wiring section by section, ensuring conductors are pulled back through containment systems.
6. Installation of new cable tray and trunking systems where specified.
7. Installation of new ring final, lighting, and dedicated circuits per BS 7671.
8. Installation of new consumer unit (current standard: type-A RCBO consumer unit).
9. Initial verification (continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, earth fault loop impedance).
10. Energise on completion of verification under controlled conditions.
11. Final testing per BS 7671 17th Edition / 18th Edition Amendment 2.
12. Issue of Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) to customer.
13. Part P notification submitted to building control.

Plant and equipment: Approved test instrument (multifunction tester, calibration in date), insulated tools (BS EN 60900), cable cutters, cable strippers, lock-off kit.

Personnel: NICEIC or NAPIT registered supervisor; ECS card-holder operatives. Card numbers verified.

PPE: Safety glasses (BS EN 166), insulated gloves (BS EN 60903) when handling potentially live conductors, hard hat where overhead hazards exist.

Method statement example: roofing strip and re-tile

Scope: Strip and re-tile a 2-storey domestic roof. Existing concrete tiles to be replaced with new clay plain tiles. New lead flashings to chimneys and abutments.

Sequence of operations:

1. Site arrival; confirm scaffold inspected and in date (Scafftag).
2. Scaffold platform check by lead roofer before any work commences.
3. Lay protective ground sheets to capture falling debris; cone off public area beneath.
4. Strip existing tiles in sequence: ridge, top course down to eaves. Tiles passed down via scaffold not thrown.
5. Inspect roof timbers and underlay; report any defects to client before continuing.
6. Replace defective timbers; install new breathable underlay per manufacturer guidance.
7. Counter-batten and batten per BS 5534 spacing for chosen tile size.
8. Lay tiles bottom-up, working in sequence per NFRC technical bulletin guidance.
9. Lead flashing works: hot works permit checked. Fire watch nominated. Oxy/acetylene per INDG327.
10. Lead worker wears appropriate PPE per CLAW 2002. Personal exposure monitoring as required.
11. Final ridge tiles bedded and pointed; verge cement work completed.
12. Self-test by foreman; client inspection and sign-off.

Plant and equipment: Tile lift hoist (LOLER inspected), oxy/acetylene set (in date), fire extinguisher present during hot works, tile cutters (PUWER inspected).

Personnel: NFRC card-holding lead worker for lead flashings (or appropriate trained equivalent). CSCS card-holders for general roofing operatives.

PPE: Safety helmet, safety boots, high-visibility, gloves. Respiratory protection (FFP3) for cement and underlay dust. Lead worker: full RPE per personal exposure assessment.

Common mistakes in UK method statements

Top mistakes that get method statements rejected by main contractors:

• Generic boilerplate. "Workers will follow safe practices throughout the works" tells the contractor nothing.
• Missing sequence. A list of activities without their actual order is a checklist, not a method statement.
• No competency requirements. Saying "trained personnel" without specifying which cards or qualifications fails on competence.
• Plant without inspection records. If you reference plant, you need the inspection regime.
• No emergency arrangements. Site-specific procedures, not generic "call 999".
• Outdated legislation. Using CDM 2007 references in 2026 is an instant fail.
• Wrong British Standards. BS EN 12811 for scaffolding, not the old BS 5973 (which was withdrawn).

Generating method statements in 2026

Writing method statements from scratch for every job is one of the most time-consuming admin activities for UK trade businesses. The Complys AI RAMS builder generates the method statement section as part of every RAMS, with trade-specific sequences, plant lists, competency requirements, and emergency procedures. See the RAMS builder or start the 90-day free trial.

Related guides

• What is a RAMS document and do you need one? - the plain-English explainer
• RAMS template free UK 2026 - what makes a good template and what to avoid
• How to write a RAMS for scaffolding - 12-minute step-by-step
• Roofing RAMS template UK 2026 - HSG33, fragile roofs, lead works