What is a method statement template?
A written description of: (1) the work to be done; (2) the sequence of operations; (3) the plant, equipment and materials needed; (4) the workers and their competence; (5) the safety controls at each step; and (6) what to do if things go wrong. Method statements are typically 5-15 pages depending on the work complexity.
Who needs one?
Every UK contractor needs method statements for their work activities. Required by main contractors at pre-start, by HSE during inspections, and by accreditation schemes (CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS) during desktop assessments.
UK legal basis
- SSConstruction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- SSHealth and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
- SSManagement of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- SSTrade-specific regulations (Work at Height 2005, COSHH 2002, etc.)
Key sections to include
Worked example
Common mistakes
- !Generic templates copied between projects with project name swapped
- !Sequence of operations missing - just a list of hazards instead
- !No plant and equipment details specified
- !References to outdated legislation (e.g. CDM 2007 instead of 2015)
- !Method statement doesn't match the actual work - written for a different scope
FAQ
What's the difference between RAMS and a method statement?+
Method statement is the 'how to do it safely' part. Risk assessment is the 'what could go wrong' part. RAMS is the combined document covering both.
How long should a method statement be?+
Proportionate to risk and complexity. A simple 1-day job: 5-8 pages. A major scaffolding installation: 15+ pages. Generic 1-page method statements fail main contractor reviews.
Do I need a separate method statement for each project?+
Yes - each project must have a project-specific method statement. Generic templates that haven't been adapted to the actual scope fail HSE and main contractor reviews.
Can I write my own method statements?+
Yes - most UK contractors write their own. Increasingly, AI-generated method statements (like Complys) produce trade-specific, project-specific documents in 30 seconds.
How often should method statements be reviewed?+
When scope changes, when site conditions change, after near-misses, or as a minimum at 12-month intervals on long projects.
Get a customised method statement template in 30 seconds
Complys generates trade-specific, project-specific method statement templates with your branding, references current UK legislation, and exports as PDF for sharing with main contractors. 90-day free trial.