What Is a Method Statement Template?
A method statement template is used in workplaces where high-risk tasks are part of the daily work routine. It guides managers and officers so they can comprehensively inspect all the high-danger work activities, hazards that are related to each activity, and the control measures in the workplace to manage the risks.
Aside from identifying the risks and detailing the safety precautions, the method statement also details the equipment used during projects and the PPE required to keep workers and visitors safe while work is ongoing.
The template should also include the hazards associated with the by-products of activities and tasks. For example, if it includes chemical waste disposal, the checklist should describe the disposal process of that waste material.
If you look at an example of a method statement, the hours spent on each task are also included as well as the sequence of scheduled work, management and responsibilities, and emergency procedures.
In this article, the following points are explained:
1. The importance of a method statement
3. Benefits of a digital method statement checklist
Why Is a Method Statement Important?
Method statements are especially important in industries that include high-risk tasks or workers who are exposed to hazardous materials. These tasks include electrical installations, construction, plumbing, tree maintenance, HVAC services, chemical disposal, and many more.
Risk and method statement templates don’t just recommend control measures; they describe how to implement them.
Here are some benefits of having a method statement in place:
Eliminate and Reduce Risk
Preventing risks is the primary purpose of a method statement. According to a 2020 report from the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE ), 81,000 workers are suffering from work-related ill-health while 40 fatal injuries have been reported. And this is just in the construction industry alone.
By identifying and reporting risks and hazards before work begins, companies can eliminate them and prevent injuries and accidents. They can also find safer alternative equipment or materials.
Demonstrate Compliance with Legislation
If your compliance is called into question, method statements serve as an important piece of information that proves your compliance with health regulations. It also shows how you followed the appropriate safety protocols.
Raise Awareness
Your workers need to be aware of the hazards they face and the consequences if they fail to follow safety protocols. By increasing their awareness, they become proactive in taking the necessary actions to reduce risks and remove hazards.
Communicate Health and Safety Information to Employees
After completing the method statement template, it should be filed accordingly and shared with workers. They should have access to it since it details the health and safety information that shows them how to keep themselves safe while working.
How to Write a Method Statement?
A good method statement should describe how a task should be performed, not just what the task is. Here are five ways how you can write an effective method statement:
Break the Task Down
List the steps you need to accomplish the task. Write down how to successfully and safely finish the task.
For example, if you are doing electrical installation, don’t just write “run the cable from distribution board to first light.” Instead, it should mention the type of cables and distribution board you’re using. If there are additional tasks to do aside from installing the cable, you should also include that in your method statement.
Identify the High-Risk Tasks
Identify each high-risk task and the amount of risk involved in carrying it out. By doing so, you can assign the right person to each task and check their capability in advance. Never forget to calculate the risk factor of the job before assigning it to anyone.
Have a Backup Plan
Aside from identifying the risks and hazards, you should have a backup plan, or preventive method, to control the damage. Workers should know what kind of safety measures and equipment they need to have to prevent accidents and injuries. They should also be aware of who to call when these accidents happen.
Identify Roles and Responsibilities
When you have identified the responsibilities, make sure that outcomes are controlled. Companies should describe the tasks, their level of importance, and the steps to accomplish them.
Train and Educate
Before your workers start any task, ensure they fully understand what has been discussed and written in the risk and method statement templates. Have constant and consistent communication to monitor the work, and apply the necessary steps to eliminate or reduce risks.
Method statement reports should include some important items like:
- The nature of the project
- The activities or tasks
- Date of inspection
- Inspector
- Responsibilities
- Hazards and risks
- Control measures and work procedures
- Sequence of work
- Access provisions
- Security and safety of workers
- Techniques
- Equipment used
- Safety and health precautions
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Management arrangements
- Monitoring
- Welfare
- First aid
- Emergency procedures
- Acknowledgment and signature
What Are the Benefits of a Digital Method Statement Template?
Method statements are especially important to any business where preserving the safety of the worksite and the health of its workers is a concern. A method statement checklist is then used to identify potentially hazardous situations, and that’s why it’s imperative that a worksite audit is done both quickly, but also thoroughly.
Inspectors only have so much time in their day to identify countless hazards lurking in and around the work-site. Missing just one of these could have potentially fatal consequences, but with Lumiform, safety officers can conduct their workplace inspections up to 40% faster than with a regular pen and paper.
Safety officers will also enjoy the ease provided from these additional advantages:
- With the super intuitive mobile app,you can perform on-site inspections via a smartphone or tablet.
- Comprehensive analyses help you identify hazardous conditions or substances, helping save your business from lawsuits and from having to pay out worker’s compensation.
- Keep track of all method statements and refer to them on the go, on-site, or in the middle of a task. It’s all right there, whenever you need it, at the touch of a button. That’s because all documents are automatically stored in the cloud.
- The app seamlessly guides you through the method statement, so there’s no need for extra time-consuming and expensive training. Try Lumiform for free
