A method statement is a document detailing how a task or job can be done in a safe fashion. It outlines to the people carrying out the work the general instructions of how to reduce the risk of the task being undertaken. Essentially, it acts as a step-by-step guide of the planned safety measures that affected parties should carry out during the work.
Method statements help companies demonstrate how they have created and communicated safe working practices to their employees. As well as a good business practice for the provision of a safe system of work, companies often find they are requested to provide evidence of a method statement before being allowed to undertake work on someone else’s behalf. This is because it allows a third party to see the Health & Safety measures which have been planned to ensure that safety will not be compromised on their behalf.