Method Statements
Common Questions

It should be completed by those actually doing the work and checked by the supervisor.  The person doing the work must fully understand all the elements of the statement.

 

What should I do with the method statement?   

Like the permit to work, a copy should be kept with the work on site, and a copy should be with the site operator.

 

It helps plan and structure the work and it may bring up issues you may not have thought of.  It also tells the person in control of the site how you are going to do the work.

 

You should be competent to fill one out, if you are not the supervisor should identify someone who is or coach you.  The complexity of the statement should reflect the complexity of the work and working environment.

 

The method statement may be used as evidence if, for example, what was happening in reality was very different to what was stated in the method statement, and this divergence contributed to the accident.