

For more information read about the difference between risk assessments and method statements. While a method statement will usually be accompanied by one or more risk assessments, these documents are not the same. But they can help you comply with legal requirements, as they help provide information and instruction. Unlike risk assessments, method statements are not required by law explicitly. The method statement will provide additional information to employees about how to do the work, what order to follow, and the precautions needed at each step. The risk assessment will focus on the hazards and controlling those hazards. Method statements are usually only necessary for higher risk work, in addition to the risk assessments. Method statements are often used with risk assessments - but are not the same. You might get asked for a method statement with a risk assessment, and clients will often ask for a copy of your ' RAMS', which means risk assessments and method statements. For example, a plan could show the location of a hazard or where welfare facilities are.

At times it can be helpful to include drawings or pictures in your method statement to explain something and reduce confusion. The information should be clear and concise. Your method statement doesn't have to be a lengthy document, but it should contain all the information you need to communicate how to do the work safely. The planned work procedure, the sequence of work and control measures.References to other documents such as risk assessments that apply to the task.

The hazards associated with the site and environment.The specific activity the method statement is for.HSE Risk Management FAQsĪ method statement will usually contain a lot of information about a task or activity such as: This allows the job to be properly planned and resourced. It includes all the risks identified in the risk assessment and the measures needed to control those risks. It describes in a logical sequence exactly how a job is to be carried out in a safe manner and without risks to health. And that's because they describe the method (or system) of work. Method statements are also known as safe systems of work, safe work method statements or SWMS for short. You can think of a method statement like a set of instructions or a plan for the work. A method statement is a document that describes how to do a task safely.
