In construction, ensuring proper safety protocols can be a top priority. Method instructions are a strategy that helps you mitigate risk, maintain safe working conditions, and communicate important procedural information to your team. If you know how to create an effective method statement, you can ensure the safety and success of your project. In this article, we`ll define what a method statement is, explain why it`s important, provide steps you can use to create a method statement, describe the differences between method statements and risk assessments, and provide additional guidance for creating a successful method statement. Generally, there are three types of method instructions used for projects: Tendering method. Instructions on the working method and the safety method. There is also another type of method statement called a bid method statement, which is used to sell the contractor`s expertise and experience to a potential client. It shows how the work needs to be done and identifies potential areas for the client`s attention to save time and money on the project. This is usually achieved through a methodological statement that can be generated from a risk assessment. Such statements are made for many riskier construction activities, such as roofing work. As with risk assessment, a work permit is a document that you are likely to complete if you are responsible for creating the method instruction.
Method instructions and approvals are recommended for work considered high risk. These include working at heights, working in confined spaces, individual work, asbestos, hot work and the use of hazardous equipment. If you`re ready to design your own methodology statement, here are some steps to get started: Risk assessments should be carried out by one or more competent individuals, internal or external (consultants – e.g. Safety Services Direct), provided that the person preparing the risk assessment has the appropriate knowledge, understanding and practical experience in risk assessment. It is recommended that you seek advice and assistance from a knowledgeable health and safety advisor, such as Safety Services Direct, and your advisor can then guide you and help you prepare your risk assessments. Review your documentation or complete the risk assessment process on your behalf. A risk assessment prepared by a professional can mean the difference between winning and losing a tender. Your client/prime contractor will easily spot a poorly written risk assessment, which will only show that you don`t understand your responsibilities and are willing to take shortcuts when it comes to health and safety. The method instructions provide more details if additional details are needed. For example, when work activities must be carried out in a certain order to ensure safety. Risk assessments should be conducted first and may form the basis of the methodological statement. A thorough risk assessment will let you know if an activity is high risk or complex.
It will let you know if you need a method statement and help you develop one for the task. Before you can start writing your method statement, it`s important to identify the occupational risks associated with your project tasks. You can do this by creating a risk assessment. Document anything that could cause personal harm, health problems, or danger to others on the site. Assess current safeguards to determine if they adequately reduce risk. Determine what additional steps you need to take to further reduce the risk of damage. Not only will you be required by law, but you will also find that many clients and prime contractors will not allow you to start work until you have prepared and provided them with a copy of your methodology statement and/or risk assessments. Method instructions focus more on instructions and inform project teams when and how to perform tasks safely. Unlike risk assessments, methodological statements are rarely a formal legal requirement. However, they can help ensure that construction sites comply with important laws and regulations. You can also use it as a master document to reference other important project documents, such as risk assessments, health risk control assessments (COSHH), and work permits.