More and more contractors are being asked by their clients or prospective clients to produce a method statement as part of their Health and Safety documentation, or for larger projects under the CDM Regulations.

A Method Statement is a document detailing how a particular task or activity will be carried out. It should identify the possible risks and dangers in relation to the tasks you intend to undertake, it should also cover the methods you will use to control these risks and how you intent to implement your control measures. Its primary goal is to document how you will complete the project in a manner that is as safe as is practicably possible.

Safety Method Statements

A method statement is, fundamentally, a document detailing your intended safe system of work, or even a series of safe systems of work. It is agreed between: a client and principal contractor; or a principal contractor and contractor, and is produced where work with a foreseeable high hazard content is to be undertaken. A method statement should detail the activities which will be undertaken on a step by-step basis and the precautionary measures required to safeguard your employees, your client's employees and also members of the general public who could otherwise be negatively affected by your activities. In some cases, method statements may have to be produced by a contractor and agreed on by the client before contracts are awarded. This generally applies only to activities involving a high level of risk.

What Should A Method Statement Contain?

Although there is no universal format for creating a method statement, there are certian aspects which should always be considered:

• Working proceedure, detail the safe systems of work you will use
• Access arrangements (high spaces, hazardous areas etc)
• Safeguarding of existing structures
• Precautions for protecting structural integrity
• Safety of the public, how will you protect them?
• Tools, Equipment, and plant, what will be used?
• Arrangements for the protection of health, will there be hazardous fumes or materials involved? If so ventilation and respiritory protection arrangements should be detailed
• How will you protect the local environment against pollution?
• Segregation of hazardous areas, and details of the procedures you will use to ensure you comply with the Noise at Work Regulations
• Proccedures for compliance with the Work at Height Regs 2005
• How will you comply with the control of Lead at Work Regs (1998)
• CDM Regs compliance, appointed co-ordinator, principle contractor etc.

How can RE Consultancy Help?

We can analyse your working processes and write site specific or bespoke method statements for your work to reduce the risks involved. You will then be able to comply with the needs of your clients and current health and safety legislation including cdm regulations where applicable, enabling you to complete your works.

Please contact RE Consultancy for more details