A method statement is a sequence of steps taken to complete a work task in a safe manner. The method statement should be written by a person that is competent in the task.
When a method statement is prepared, the risks are identified during the work sequence. Steps taken to reduce the risk are then determined. Next a series of steps are written down that are to be followed by the person or persons carrying out the works. This sequence of steps should include all health and safety aspects, such as personal protective equipment requirements, tools and equipment, and importantly, safety related equipment such as scaffolding.
All control measures that have been determined whilst preparing a method statement and/or risk assessment should be used as a "tool box" talk prior to the works being carried out. By performing an overview of the method statement and/or risk assessment during the "tool box" talk, everyone involved will have a clear understanding of the work to be carried out, as well as the safe work method sequences and safety equipment required.
Click Here For an Example Method Statement
Information and views on Health and Safety Related subjects
Monday, June 14, 2010
Health and Safety Method Statements
We receive dozens of enquirys every single day asking us for method statements, we find that so many people are clueless as to their legal requirements for producing method statements. Its telling when speaking to some of these people that they employ sub contract staff and therefore feel that they have no obligation towards Health and Safety other that a main contractor wants a method statement, and in some cases the request is being made after the work is complete!.
There are a number of Health and Safety consultants offering method statements, some are generic pre completed and easy to complete or update using a word processor and in most cases consultants offer a writing service, which is a valuable service especially to those either needing the documents immediately or where the type of work or work site carries specific risks.
We have seen some method statements that look like they have been written by a 4 year old, and some that would make an encylopedias look like a comic, these should be used as tool box talks for the persons actually carrying out the work and not describing a technical task in excessive detail so that the vast majority of persons wouldn't understand a word of the method statement, therefore they should be written with the workforce in mind.
http://www.method-statement-template.com/
There are a number of Health and Safety consultants offering method statements, some are generic pre completed and easy to complete or update using a word processor and in most cases consultants offer a writing service, which is a valuable service especially to those either needing the documents immediately or where the type of work or work site carries specific risks.
We have seen some method statements that look like they have been written by a 4 year old, and some that would make an encylopedias look like a comic, these should be used as tool box talks for the persons actually carrying out the work and not describing a technical task in excessive detail so that the vast majority of persons wouldn't understand a word of the method statement, therefore they should be written with the workforce in mind.
http://www.method-statement-template.com/
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