In construction, clarity is everything. Clear communication is key to ensuring each party involved in the project is on the same page and working towards a common goal. It can be the difference between a successful, profitable build and an expensive one bogged down by delays. One of the ways construction professionals, like project managers, site managers, or safety officers, maximise clarity in their projects is through a method statement. This document is one of the most effective ways to improve efficiency, safety and profitability in construction, yet it is often under-utilised by those taking on big builds. In this article, we’ll use our expertise as a leading quantity surveying consultancy in London to answer the question, ‘What is a method statement?’ and explain how you can use them to level up your projects.
Construction 101: What Is A Method Statement
Put simply, a method statement is a document that outlines how a specific task or project will be carried out. It includes details on the procedures, safety measures, equipment, and personnel involved to ensure the work is done safely, efficiently and in compliance with building regulations. They’re particularly useful for high-risk construction activities, like demolition, as they’ll help reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring. So, if you’re working towards more responsible construction practices, keep reading to discover how a method statement can help you do just that.
- What Is The Purpose Of A Method Statement?
- What’s The Difference Between Risk Assessments And Method Statements?
- Who Is Responsible For Writing A Method Statement?
- When Should You Write A Method Statement?
- How To Write A Method Statement
What Is The Purpose Of A Method Statement?
The dangers of working in construction are widely reported. In fact, over the last five years, construction deaths have increased by 70%. In 2023/24, there were over twice as many deaths in construction as there were in the second most affected industry (agriculture, forestry and mining). With these figures in mind, construction professionals are always looking for ways to improve safety on site, and a method statement is an effective way to do so. The purpose of a method statement can be broken down into three key elements:
Risk Management
A method statement outlines the sequence of steps to be followed in order to complete a task safely and efficiently. It details the tools and equipment to be used, the safety precautions to be taken, and any relevant regulations or standards to be followed. This helps ensure those on site are completing their work in a safe manner. Even with careful planning, unexpected events and emergencies may still occur, so a method statement will also include contingency plans to ensure workers are prepared and respond swiftly and effectively.
Compliance
A method statement helps ensure all work is carried out in compliance with legislation and industry standards, including laws relating to health and safety, employment and environmental protection. It may also increase adherence to company-specific policies and procedures that go beyond legal requirements.
Communication
Collaboratively developing a method statement is a great way to encourage communication and teamwork among those involved in the project. The clear and structured layout of a method statement helps each party understand their specific roles and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of others. Checks should be in place to ensure everyone understands the method statement and follows instructions, even if English is their second language or they have a learning disability. This kind of clear communication helps ensure consistency and accountability in the project’s execution.
What’s The Difference Between Risk Assessments And Method Statements?
Risk assessments are similar and often go hand-in-hand; however, they have several distinct differences in function and purpose. A risk assessment usually lays the foundations for a method statement as it identifies and assesses hazards involved in a construction project. It suggests control measures but doesn’t go into detail about how to manage the risks. A method statement, on the other hand, will expand on the control measures, detailing how, when and why you should implement measures. Risk assessments are usually written first because a method statement can build on the potential hazards that have been identified. Together, risk assessments and method statements are known as RAMS.
Risk assessments are more common in construction than method statements because they are a legal requirement in each project. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) 2015 work in tandem to safeguard construction workers by ensuring that all potential hazards are identified and considered during a project’s lifecycle. Conversely, method statements aren’t required by law, but having one is best practice as it will allow the project to proceed with the right health and safety resources already in place.
Who Is Responsible For Writing A Method Statement?
Typically, a method statement is written by the person or company responsible for carrying out the project. The employer or person in control of the work will normally delegate the responsibilities of a method statement to a supervisor. The supervisor will put together the method statement and make sure it is adhered to. They will also be responsible for making sure that all workers have access to an up-to-date copy of the method statement. If you’re looking for support in creating your method statement, our team are expertly placed to help you put together a step-by-step guide for your project as part of our QS services in London .
When Should You Write A Method Statement?
The method statement should always be written after you’ve completed the risk assessment but before work begins. That’s because your method statement will help ensure the safety of your construction team from the outset of your project. It will include things like your team’s equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), detailed steps and emergency procedures, and contact details for health and safety personnel that should be in place from the beginning.
If a task undergoes significant changes that are not addressed in the method statement, you should stop working and evaluate whether the method statement is still applicable. If there are changes in the factors that impact the health and safety of the project, you should review the method statement to ensure that safety measures are still appropriate.
How To Write A Method Statement
While method statements may vary from project to project, the general outline will remain the same. Remember, all the risks associated with a specific task should have been identified in the risk assessment beforehand so the method statement can build on these risks. Here’s what a typical method statement should look like:
- Header: This should include the project name, location, and method statement title reflecting the specific tasks (e.g. installation of steel beams). Below the header, there should be sections for the date, the signature of the person who prepared the method statement, and the person who approved it.
- Scope Of Work: A brief description of the task to be carried out. This provides an overview of the activity and its purpose.
- Responsibilities: A list of key personnel responsible for specific tasks, including roles like site manager, health and safety officer, and operatives.
- Materials And Equipment: A list of materials and equipment required to complete the task. This section ensures that the correct resources are available on site.
- Methodology: A detailed step-by-step description of how the task will be performed. This will include preparation, specific actions to be taken during the task and post-task actions like inspection or cleaning. It’s important this section is as clear as possible.
- Health And Safety Considerations: A list of potential risks and hazards related to the task, along with steps or precautions to minimise or eliminate risks. This section should also include a list of required PPE and actions to take in an emergency.
- Environmental Considerations: If applicable, this section details measures to reduce the environmental impact, such as waste disposal, pollution control, and handling of hazardous materials.
- Quality Control: Details of inspections, tests, or checks that need to be carried out during and after the work to ensure it meets the required standards.
- Permits And Licenses: A list of any required permits, licenses, or legal approvals needed to perform the task safely and legally.
- Emergency Contacts: A list of emergency contact numbers for key personnel, medical facilities, or emergency services.
Safe And Efficient Construction With Method Statements
While method statements are not a legal requirement like risk assessments, it’s clear to see why they are strongly advised on each construction project. Not only are they a highly effective way to reduce the many risks associated with construction, they also improve the efficiency of the project and can help reduce costs significantly by streamlining the build.
If you’re looking for ways to cut costs and maximise the efficiency of your construction projects, don’t hesitate to recruit the support of our quantity surveyors in London. Our clients save an average of 27.8% on their construction costs, and our team has completed over £972m worth of estimates, so you can rest assured knowing you’re working with industry experts. Get a quote for your project today.