Method Statement Template: Free Download for UK Construction

A well-written method statement can make the difference between a safe, efficient job and one that ends in incident reports and HSE involvement. But creating method statements from scratch for every project wastes valuable time that could be spent on actual work.

This guide provides free method statement templates for common UK construction activities, explains what makes a template effective, and shows you how to adapt templates for your specific projects.

What is a Method Statement Template?

A method statement template is a pre-formatted document that provides the structure and standard content for describing how work will be carried out safely. Rather than starting from blank paper, templates give you a proven framework that you can adapt to specific tasks.

Good templates include:

• Standard sections that meet industry requirements
• Placeholder text showing what information to include
• Example content that can be customised
• Professional formatting suitable for client submission

Essential Sections in a Method Statement Template

Every method statement template should include these core sections:

1. Document Information

• Project name and location
• Document reference number
• Version and revision date
• Author and approver details

2. Scope of Work

A clear description of what the method statement covers, including:

• The specific task or activity
• Where the work will take place
• What is explicitly excluded

3. Hazards and Risks

Identification of hazards associated with the work and the risks they present. This section often links to or summarises the accompanying risk assessment.

4. Sequence of Operations

Step-by-step instructions describing:

• What happens first, second, third, etc.
• Who is responsible for each step
• Key safety points at each stage

5. Plant and Equipment

• Tools and equipment required
• Inspection and maintenance requirements
• Any certifications needed

6. Personal Protective Equipment

PPE requirements for all workers involved, with specifications where needed (e.g., safety glasses to EN166 standard).

7. Emergency Procedures

• What to do if things go wrong
• Emergency contact numbers
• Location of first aid and fire equipment

Types of Method Statement Templates

Different activities require different template approaches:

Generic Templates

Blank templates with all standard sections but no pre-filled content. Best for:

• Unusual or one-off activities
• Complex projects requiring detailed customisation
• Organisations establishing their own standards

Activity-Specific Templates

Pre-populated templates for common construction activities. Typical examples include:

• Scaffolding erection and dismantling
• Excavation and groundworks
• Hot work (welding, cutting)
• Electrical installation
• Working at height
• Demolition
• Confined space entry

How to Customise a Method Statement Template

Templates save time, but they must be properly adapted. Never submit a template without customisation – this is a common cause of method statement rejection.

Step 1: Review the Template Against Your Task

Before filling in any details:

• Does the template cover all aspects of your specific work?
• Are there sections that don't apply and should be removed?
• What additional hazards exist at your specific site?

Step 2: Add Site-Specific Information

Every method statement must reflect the actual working environment:

• Specific location details
• Access routes and restrictions
• Interfaces with other works
• Client-specific requirements

Step 3: Check Competency and Training Requirements

Ensure the method statement specifies:

• Required qualifications (CSCS, CPCS, IPAF, etc.)
• Task-specific training
• Supervision levels required

Step 4: Verify and Approve

Before use, the method statement should be:

• Reviewed by someone with task knowledge
• Approved by a competent manager
• Accepted by the client if required

Common Template Mistakes to Avoid

Using templates poorly is often worse than writing from scratch:

Leaving Placeholder Text

Submitting method statements with "[Insert company name]" or "[Enter date]" still visible demonstrates a lack of attention and will be rejected.

Not Removing Irrelevant Sections

If a template section doesn't apply to your work, delete it. Leaving irrelevant content makes the document harder to read and suggests the author hasn't thought about the actual task.

Using Outdated Templates

Regulations and standards change. Ensure your templates reference current legislation and industry guidance.

Copy-Paste Without Reading

Every piece of template content should be reviewed and adapted. Generic statements that don't match the actual work can create legal liability if an incident occurs.

Method Statement Template Requirements by Activity

Different activities have specific requirements that templates must address:

Working at Height

• Fall prevention hierarchy (avoid, prevent, mitigate)
• Access equipment specifications
• Edge protection requirements
• Rescue plan

Excavation Works

• Service detection procedures
• Support or battering requirements
• Safe access and egress
• Ground conditions monitoring

Hot Work

• Permit-to-work integration
• Fire watch requirements
• Combustible material clearance
• Fire extinguisher provision

Lifting Operations

• LOLER compliance
• Lift plan requirements
• Exclusion zones
• Communication procedures

Digital vs Paper Templates

Method statement templates come in various formats, each with advantages:

Word Documents

• Easy to customise
• Widely compatible
• Version control can be problematic

PDF Forms

• Consistent formatting
• Limited editing capability
• Good for standardised processes

Online Software

• Built-in version control
• Automatic compliance updates
• Collaborative editing
• Integration with risk assessments

Template Management Best Practices

If using templates across your organisation:

1. Maintain a master template library with clear version control
2. Review templates annually to ensure they reflect current regulations
3. Train staff on proper template use and the importance of customisation
4. Collect feedback from users to improve templates over time
5. Archive old versions but ensure only current templates are accessible

Beyond Templates: Automated Method Statements with swiftRMS

Templates are a step up from blank documents, but they still require significant manual work to customise properly. swiftRMS takes a different approach – generating tailored method statements from scratch based on your specific project details.

Simply describe your work, and swiftRMS produces a complete, site-specific method statement in minutes. No placeholder text to replace. No irrelevant sections to delete. Just professional documentation ready for review and submission.

Try swiftRMS free and see how it compares to your current template process.