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Introduction
In the world of construction, engineering, and industrial projects, safety and quality are not optional—they are requirements. One of the most important documents that ensures these requirements are met is the method statement. Whether you are a project manager, site engineer, safety officer, or contractor, understanding what a method statement is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively can make the difference between a smooth-running project and costly delays. In this article, we will break down what a method statement is, why it’s essential, how it’s prepared and implemented, when it’s used, who prepares it, and where it applies in the construction process.
A method statement is a written document that outlines the specific way a particular task or activity will be carried out on a project. It explains the work process in detail, including the scope, materials, equipment, step-by-step execution, quality requirements, and safety precautions.
Think of it as a roadmap for a construction activity—it ensures that all stakeholders understand exactly how the work will be done, in line with project specifications, safety regulations, and quality standards.
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A method statement is more than just a requirement for paperwork—it’s a practical tool that helps ensure construction activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and to the required quality standards. Without it, teams risk working with unclear instructions, uncontrolled hazards, and avoidable delays.
Here are the main reasons why method statements play such a critical role in project delivery:
The most important reason for preparing a method statement is to protect the people involved in the work. By identifying hazards and outlining control measures, the document acts as a safety plan for the specific activity.
A well-written method statement ensures that each step of the work is carried out in line with approved drawings, specifications, and industry best practices.
On many projects—especially large-scale or government-funded ones—method statements are a contractual requirement. They demonstrate that the contractor has a plan for executing the works safely and in accordance with regulations.
Failure to submit an approved method statement can delay work or even lead to non-compliance penalties.
A method statement creates a common understanding among all stakeholders: the client, consultant, main contractor, subcontractors, and site crew.
When the work sequence is clear and the responsibilities are defined, the site team can work with less downtime and fewer disruptions.
A method statement is part of the project documentation. Once the project is complete, it can serve as a reference for similar works in the future, helping teams learn from past projects and continuously improve processes.
In essence:
A method statement isn’t just a document to satisfy a requirement—it’s a blueprint for safe, high-quality, and efficient work execution. When prepared properly and used on site, it becomes a vital part of delivering projects on time, within budget, and without compromising safety.
Also Read: Easy Guide for the Cycle of Documents in Construction Projects 2026
Preparing a method statement is not simply filling in a template; it’s a process that demands technical accuracy, safety awareness, and coordination with the project team. A well-prepared method statement should be specific enough to guide execution yet clear enough for all parties—engineers, supervisors, and laborers—to understand.
Here’s the process in detail:
Start by clearly identifying the work to be carried out. This includes:
This helps avoid confusion on site and ensures that all team members are on the same page.
Before drafting, gather all relevant resources:
Having these references in hand ensures your method statement is aligned with project and industry requirements.
Break down the activity into clear, logical steps from start to finish. For example, in concrete pouring:
Numbered steps make it easy for supervisors to track progress and for workers to follow instructions without skipping critical actions.
Every construction activity carries potential hazards. List them explicitly—e.g., “risk of falling from height,” “danger from moving equipment,” “manual handling injuries”—and link each risk to a control measure. This is often done in a risk assessment table attached to the method statement.
Specify exactly what will be done to keep people and the environment safe. This may include:
Identify the key personnel involved, such as:
Clarity in responsibilities prevents delays caused by miscommunication.
Provide a detailed list of all materials (with specifications) and equipment (with capacity or model) that will be used. This ensures the right resources are available before the work begins.
Indicate the checkpoints at which inspections will be carried out, such as:
Once drafted, the method statement should be reviewed internally by the project manager or quality team before being sent to the client or consultant for approval.
Even the best method statement is useless if it stays in a folder. It must be communicated to the workforce through:
Supervisors should keep a copy on site for reference during execution.
Conditions on site can change. If they do, review the method statement, make necessary adjustments, and ensure everyone is informed of the changes. This keeps the document relevant and practical throughout the work.
A method statement is not required for every single task on site, but it becomes essential whenever the work carries significant risk, involves complex procedures, or requires strict compliance with technical specifications.
In practice, most clients and consultants will ask for method statements before approving any critical or high-risk construction activity.
Here are situations where preparing a method statement is strongly recommended—or mandatory:
Any task that has the potential to cause serious injury, property damage, or environmental harm should be backed by a method statement.
Examples include:
These activities require clear safety controls and step-by-step execution methods to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Some works are not necessarily high-risk but are technically demanding and require precise execution. In such cases, a method statement helps ensure quality and consistency. Examples include:
Many projects—especially those run under international standards or for government agencies—make method statements a contractual requirement. In these cases, the method statement must be submitted and approved before work starts, regardless of risk level.
If the work is carried out near busy roads, pedestrian zones, or public facilities, a method statement helps demonstrate that appropriate safety and traffic management measures will be in place.
Environmental considerations are now a key part of project planning. Activities such as excavation near protected areas, handling of hazardous materials, or underwater works require method statements that detail environmental protection measures.
Even routine activities can benefit from a method statement when they are new to the crew or being done in unfamiliar conditions. This ensures everyone is aligned and reduces the risk of errors or rework.
On large-scale projects, method statements form part of the permanent project documentation for audits, inspections, and post-project reviews. They become an official record of how the work was planned and executed.
In short:
A method statement should be prepared any time the work requires careful planning, poses risks, or is contractually mandated. The goal is always the same: to make the work safer, more efficient, and compliant with the required standards.
The responsibility for preparing a method statement usually lies with the main contractor, but in practice, it’s a collaborative effort that involves several members of the project team. The goal is to combine technical knowledge, practical site experience, and safety expertise into one document that is both accurate and workable.
Here’s how the roles typically contribute:
The site engineer is often the person who drafts the first version of the method statement. They:
Because they work closely with the design and site conditions, site engineers are best placed to ensure the technical accuracy of the document.
The HSE officer’s role is to:
Their input ensures the method statement is not only about how the work will be done but also how it will be done safely.
The QC engineer contributes by:
This ensures that the method statement meets quality assurance requirements and helps avoid rework.
Senior management reviews the draft method statement to:
When the activity involves specialized work (e.g., waterproofing, piling, or MEP installations), subcontractors or specialist suppliers may prepare the method statement themselves, often using their own standard procedures adapted to the project.
While they don’t prepare the document, the client or consultant is responsible for reviewing and approving it before execution. This step confirms that the method statement meets contractual, safety, and technical requirements.
In summary:
Although the site engineer or construction engineer usually leads the preparation, a strong method statement is the result of team collaboration. Each contributor brings their own expertise, ensuring the document is accurate, safe, and executable in real site conditions.
Method statements are used across construction and engineering sectors. They apply to:
Writing a method statement is not just about following a template—it’s about creating a practical, clear, and reliable document that your site team can actually use. Over the years, certain practices have proven to make method statements more effective, both in satisfying client requirements and in guiding safe, quality execution on site.
Avoid unnecessary technical jargon or long, complicated sentences. A method statement should be easily understood by everyone involved—from project managers to site operatives. If technical terms are unavoidable, provide short explanations or include them in an appendix.
Generic method statements are one of the most common reasons for consultant rejections. Tailor the document to the exact project activity, site conditions, and client specifications. For example, don’t just write “secure the area”; state how you will secure it (e.g., “install 1.5m high steel mesh fencing around the excavation perimeter”).
Include photos, diagrams, sketches, or workflow charts where possible. Visuals make it easier for site teams to grasp complex steps and help prevent misunderstandings.
Make sure the safety measures you describe comply with both local regulations and international standards such as OSHA, ISO, or BS codes, depending on the project requirements. Likewise, quality control steps should match the project’s quality plan.
Assign tasks to specific positions (e.g., “Site Engineer to verify rebar placement” or “HSE Officer to monitor confined space entry”). Clear accountability ensures tasks are completed as planned and helps avoid gaps in execution.
If your method statement refers to sequence durations or curing periods, make sure they are achievable and match site conditions. Unrealistic timelines can lead to rushed work and compromise safety or quality.
A method statement should not stand alone—it should be linked to a task-specific risk assessment. Include the main hazards and the control measures directly in the method statement, or attach the full risk assessment as an appendix.
Site conditions can change unexpectedly—weather, design modifications, or unforeseen hazards may require adjustments. A method statement is a live document and should be updated whenever the work plan changes.
Even the best-prepared method statement is useless if it stays in a folder. Conduct toolbox talks or pre-task briefings so everyone involved understands the plan before work begins.
Maintain a printed or digital copy, signed by the responsible parties, at the work location. This not only provides quick reference but also demonstrates compliance during inspections or audits.
Bottom line:
An effective method statement is not just about ticking boxes for approvals—it’s about planning work in a way that is safe, efficient, and repeatable. When prepared with care, it becomes a powerful tool for both safety management and project delivery.
A well-prepared method statement is more than just paperwork—it’s a vital tool for safety, quality, and efficiency in construction and engineering projects. By clearly defining what, why, how, when, who, and where, it ensures that work is carried out systematically and in compliance with standards. Whether you are working on a skyscraper, a road project, or a factory installation, never underestimate the value of a method statement in achieving project success.
