How to Write a Method Statement: Step-by-Step Guide for UK Construction

A method statement is one of the most important documents in construction safety. It tells workers exactly how to complete a task safely, step by step. Yet many contractors struggle with writing them properly, leading to rejected submissions, project delays, and increased risk on site.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about writing effective method statements that satisfy principal contractors, comply with CDM 2015 regulations, and actually keep workers safe.

What is a Method Statement?

a work activity will be carried out safely. While a risk assessment identifies

Think of it this way: a risk assessment is your hazard identification document, while a method statement is your instruction manual for doing the work safely.

When Do You Need a Method Statement?

Method statements are typically required for:

• High-risk activities (working at height, confined spaces, hot works)
• Complex or non-routine tasks
• Work that could affect other trades or the public
• Tasks specified in the construction phase plan
• Any work where a principal contractor requests one

Under CDM 2015, contractors must plan, manage and monitor construction work to ensure it's carried out without risks to health and safety. Method statements are a key part of demonstrating this.

Step 1: Gather Project Information

Before writing anything, collect:

• Project details (name, address, client, principal contractor)
• Site-specific conditions and constraints
• The construction phase plan (if available)
• Any site rules or permit requirements
• Relevant drawings and specifications

This information shapes your method statement and ensures it's tailored to the actual site conditions.

Step 2: Define the Scope of Work

Clearly describe what work the method statement covers. Be specific:

• What task or activity is being performed?
• Where exactly on site will it take place?
• Who will be doing the work?
• When will it be carried out?

A vague scope leads to a vague method statement. "Electrical installation" is too broad. "First fix electrical installation in Block A, floors 1-3" is specific enough to be useful.

Step 3: List Resources and Equipment

Document everything needed to complete the work safely:

Personnel:

• Number of operatives required
• Required competencies and qualifications (CSCS cards, IPAF, PASMA, etc.)
• Supervision arrangements

Equipment:

• Tools and machinery
• Access equipment (scaffolding, MEWPs, ladders)
• Safety equipment and barriers

PPE:

• Mandatory site PPE (hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots)
• Task-specific PPE (eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, RPE)

Step 4: Write the Sequence of Operations

This is the heart of your method statement. Break down the work into clear, sequential steps:

1. Start with pre-work activities (permits, toolbox talks, area setup)
2. Detail each work activity in logical order
3. Include the safety controls at each step
4. End with completion activities (clearing up, removing barriers, handover)

Each step should answer: What is done? How is it done safely? Who does it?

Write for your audience. Your operatives need to understand and follow these instructions. Avoid jargon where possible, and include diagrams if they help clarify the process.

Step 5: Reference Your Risk Assessment

Your method statement must link to the corresponding risk assessment. This is where RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) comes from - they work together:

• Reference the risk assessment document number
• Ensure all identified hazards have corresponding controls in your method statement
• Cross-check that no risks have been missed

If your risk assessment identifies "falling from height" as a hazard, your method statement must detail exactly how you'll prevent falls - whether that's scaffolding, harnesses, edge protection, or a combination.

Step 6: Include Emergency Procedures

Every method statement should cover what to do if things go wrong:

• First aid arrangements and nearest first aider
• Emergency evacuation routes
• Reporting procedures for accidents and near misses
• Emergency contact numbers
• Specific rescue procedures (for confined space work, working at height, etc.)

Step 7: Add Sign-Off and Version Control

Professional method statements include:

• Document reference number
• Version number and date
• Author name and signature
• Reviewer/approver name and signature
• Review date

This creates an audit trail and makes it clear who is responsible for the document.

Common Method Statement Mistakes to Avoid

1. Generic content: Copy-pasting from templates without adapting to your specific project. Principal contractors spot this immediately.

2. Missing the sequence: Listing what you'll do without explaining the step-by-step order. The sequence is what makes it a method statement.

3. Vague controls: "Workers will take care" isn't a control measure. "Workers will clip onto the static line before entering the work area" is specific and enforceable.

4. Disconnected from risk assessment: If your risk assessment and method statement don't align, one of them is wrong.

5. Too complex: If your operatives can't understand it, they can't follow it. Simple, clear language beats technical perfection.

Method Statement Example Structure

A well-structured method statement typically includes these sections:

1. Document control (reference, version, date, author)
2. Project information (site, client, dates)
3. Scope of works
4. Personnel and competencies
5. Plant and equipment
6. PPE requirements
7. Sequence of operations (the main content)
8. Risk assessment reference
9. Emergency procedures
10. Sign-off section

How Long Should a Method Statement Take to Write?

Manually writing a thorough method statement typically takes:

• Simple tasks: 1-2 hours
• Medium complexity: 2-4 hours
• Complex/high-risk work: 4-8+ hours

This doesn't include review time, revisions, or the back-and-forth with principal contractors. Many contractors report spending entire days on RAMS documentation for larger projects.

Faster Method Statements with AI

swiftRMS uses AI to generate professional, site-specific method statements in minutes instead of hours. You provide the project details and work activities, and swiftRMS creates a comprehensive method statement that:

• Follows industry-standard structure
• Includes detailed, sequential work steps
• Links properly with risk assessments
• Meets CDM 2015 requirements
• Can be customised to your company branding

Stop spending hours on documentation. Focus your expertise on the work itself, and let AI handle the paperwork.