A method statement is just the safe sequence for doing a job, written down. We use this to set out each stage, the equipment and PPE required, and the emergency arrangements, so that safe work can be carried out. 

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Further Reading

Further guidance on safe systems of work and method statements:

• Managing Health and Safety at Work
• Risk Assessment
• Working at Height

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How to Download

This file is included in the alphaZ subscription. This form is also included in the ISO 45001 Toolkit and every alphaZ ISO toolkit that covers health and safety, so if you need the wider set of documents for method statements and safe systems of work, the toolkit route gives you this file plus everything else you need in one download.

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Method Statement Template

A full method statement for setting out how a task or activity will be carried out safely, stage by stage. It links to the relevant risk assessments, records the plant, PPE, supervision and competence needed, and captures material, documentation and emergency arrangements, with a sign-off sheet for the people briefed.

A method statement is the written safe system of work that turns a risk assessment into practical instructions, as expected under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and routinely required on construction and contracted work. It supports the operational control requirements of ISO 45001.

Built for ISO 45001 and Safe Systems of Work

The method statement supports the operational planning and control requirements of ISO 45001 (clause 8.1):

• A clear link to the relevant risk assessments, COSHH assessments and safety guidance for the task
• The plant, equipment, PPE and safety equipment required, alongside supervision, permit and competence requirements
• A numbered, stage-by-stage safe method of work, including pre-start
• Material, documentation and emergency arrangements, with a briefing sign-off sheet

What's Included in this Method Statement

The form is set out so a safe method can be written, briefed and signed in one document:

• Header - prepared by, date, method statement number and a description of the task or activity covered
• Related documents - relevant risk assessments, COSHH and safety guidance
• Requirements - plant, equipment and PPE, plus supervision, permits and competence
• Safe method of work - a numbered sequence of stages from pre-start onwards
• Arrangements - material and documentation requirements, emergency arrangements and notes
• Briefing record - name, signature and date for everyone the method statement is briefed to

Who Needs a Method Statement?

Any organisation carrying out work where the safe sequence matters - construction and trades, installation, maintenance, and higher-risk tasks in manufacturing and facilities. Method statements are routinely requested by principal contractors and clients, and support any business working towards or maintaining ISO 45001 certification.

Included in the ISO 45001 Toolkit

This form is part of the ISO 45001 Toolkit - risk assessments, method statements, procedures and guidance for managing health and safety in one download - and is included in every alphaZ ISO toolkit that covers ISO 45001.

Pairs with the Risk Assessment and Method Statement

Where the risk assessment and method statement belong together, use the combined F-HS29 Risk Assessment / Method Statement. For shorter jobs see the F-HS24 Method Statement - Task and the F-HS25 Method Statement - Machine.