Best Method Statement Software UK
5 ways to create method statements compared. From AI generation to templates to consultants. Which approach fits your workflow?
What Must a Method Statement Include?
Sequence of operations
A chronological, step-by-step breakdown of every activity from mobilisation to demobilisation. Each step should be specific enough that a competent operative can follow it without ambiguity.
Hazards at each step
The specific hazards present at each stage of the work. These should be linked to the risk assessment but provide additional detail on when and how hazards arise during the work sequence.
Control measures per step
The specific controls that must be in place before each step begins. This includes permits, isolation, PPE, exclusion zones, and any monitoring required.
Responsible persons
Who is responsible for each step, who supervises, and who has authority to stop work. Names or roles should be specified.
Emergency procedures
What to do if something goes wrong at each critical stage. Includes rescue plans for confined space and work at height, first aid provision, and incident reporting.
Competency requirements
What qualifications, training, or experience are needed for each task. This includes trade certifications, CSCS cards, specific training (e.g., confined space), and any supervision requirements.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | swiftRMSRECOMMENDED | HandsHQ | SiteDocsPro | Word/Excel Templates | H&S Consultant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Included in all plans (from free) | From £49/mo | From £39/mo | Free | £200-400 per document |
| Speed | AI-generated in 2 minutes | Template-based (15-30 min) | Template-based (20-40 min) | Manual (2-4 hours) | 2-7 business days |
| Step-by-Step Procedures | |||||
| Hazards Per Step | |||||
| Linked to Risk Assessment | |||||
| Legislation Auto-Cited | |||||
| PDF Export | |||||
| Team Collaboration |
Tool Reviews
1. swiftRMS
BEST OVERALLAI-powered SSOW (Safe System of Work) generator that creates step-by-step method statements from a task description. Each step includes the activity, hazards, controls, and responsible person. Linked to parent RAMS for full documentation coherence.
2. HandsHQ
RAMS software with method statement capability. Template-driven with a library of pre-built steps. UK-focused with construction industry knowledge.
3. SiteDocsPro
Cloud-based construction documentation platform. Method statements created from templates with drag-and-drop step builders.
4. Word/Excel Templates
Free downloadable method statement templates. Blank documents requiring manual completion of every field. No automation, no hazard library, no legislation database.
5. H&S Consultant
External consultants write bespoke method statements. High quality but slow and expensive. Best for complex or novel procedures.
Method Statement FAQs
What is the difference between a method statement and a risk assessment?
A risk assessment identifies hazards and evaluates the risk level with and without controls. A method statement (or Safe System of Work) describes the step-by-step procedure for carrying out the work safely. Together they form a RAMS document: the risk assessment answers 'what could go wrong and how do we prevent it' while the method statement answers 'how do we actually do the work safely'. Both are legally required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Is a method statement a legal requirement?
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to have arrangements for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring, and review of preventive and protective measures. A method statement is the standard way to document these arrangements for construction and maintenance work. While the term 'method statement' is not used in legislation, the requirement for a documented safe system of work is established in law.
How detailed should a method statement be?
Detailed enough that a competent operative can follow the procedure safely without additional verbal instruction. Each step should describe the activity, the hazards present at that stage, the controls that must be in place, and who is responsible. Avoid generic statements like 'work safely'. Instead, specify the exact control: 'install edge protection to all open edges before commencing roof work'.
Can I use the same method statement for every job?
No. Method statements must be site-specific and task-specific. The sequence of work, the hazards, and the controls will differ between sites even for the same type of work. A method statement for a domestic boiler installation is different to one for a commercial plant room, even though the core task is similar.