📋
Method Statement Template
A free, professional method statement template for construction projects. Covers safe systems of work for high-risk activities with step-by-step procedures and safety controls.
What is a Method Statement Template?
A method statement is a document that describes how a particular task or activity will be carried out safely on a construction site. It details the step-by-step procedures, the hazards involved, the control measures in place, and the resources required.
Method statements are a legal requirement under CDM 2015 for high-risk construction activities in the UK. They form part of the safe system of work and are typically reviewed by the principal contractor before work begins.
Also known as a Safe System of Work Plan (SSOWP) or Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), this document is essential for demonstrating compliance with health and safety legislation.
Key Sections to Include
A comprehensive method statement should include the following sections:
1. Project Information - Project name, location, client, principal contractor, and document reference number.
2. Description of Works - Clear description of the task or activity to be carried out, including scope and limitations.
3. Personnel and Responsibilities - Names, roles, and qualifications of everyone involved. Include the site supervisor, operatives, and any specialist subcontractors.
4. Plant and Equipment - List all machinery, tools, and equipment required. Include inspection and certification requirements.
5. Materials - All materials to be used, including any hazardous substances (link to COSHH assessments where applicable).
6. Risk Assessment Reference - Reference the associated risk assessment(s) that cover the hazards identified for this activity.
7. Step-by-Step Procedure - Detailed sequence of operations from set-up to completion. Each step should describe what is done, who does it, and what controls are in place.
8. Safety Controls and Precautions - PPE requirements, exclusion zones, permits to work, emergency procedures, and environmental controls.
9. Welfare and First Aid - Location of welfare facilities, first aid provision, and emergency contact numbers.
10. Review and Sign-Off - Signatures of the preparer, reviewer, and approver with dates.
Want all 13 templates as editable Word docs?
The Construction AI Prompt Pack includes every template as an editable document, plus 50 AI prompts and role cheat sheets.
Get the Pack - £29
Instant download
Free Template
METHOD STATEMENT Document Reference: [MS-XXX-001] Revision: [A] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] PROJECT DETAILS Project Name: [Project Name] Site Address: [Full Site Address] Client: [Client Name] Principal Contractor: [PC Name] Subcontractor: [Your Company Name] 1. DESCRIPTION OF WORKS [Describe the work activity in detail. Include scope, location on site, and any constraints or limitations.] 2. PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITIES Site Supervisor: [Name] - [CSCS Card No.] Operatives: [Names and CSCS Card Numbers] Competencies Required: [List relevant training, tickets, or qualifications] 3. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT | Item | Inspection Required | Certification | |------|-------------------|---------------| | [Item 1] | [Yes/No] | [Cert ref] | | [Item 2] | [Yes/No] | [Cert ref] | 4. MATERIALS | Material | Quantity | COSHH Required | |----------|----------|----------------| | [Material 1] | [Qty] | [Yes/No] | | [Material 2] | [Qty] | [Yes/No] | 5. RISK ASSESSMENT REFERENCE Associated Risk Assessment(s): [RA reference numbers] 6. SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS Step 1: [Description of first activity] - Hazards: [Identified hazards] - Controls: [Control measures in place] - Responsible: [Who carries out this step] Step 2: [Description of second activity] - Hazards: [Identified hazards] - Controls: [Control measures in place] - Responsible: [Who carries out this step] Step 3: [Description of third activity] - Hazards: [Identified hazards] - Controls: [Control measures in place] - Responsible: [Who carries out this step] [Continue for all steps...] 7. PPE REQUIREMENTS [ ] Hard hat (EN 397) [ ] High-visibility vest/jacket (EN ISO 20471) [ ] Safety boots (EN ISO 20345) [ ] Safety glasses (EN 166) [ ] Gloves (EN 388) [ ] Hearing protection (EN 352) [ ] [Additional PPE as required] 8. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES First Aider: [Name and location] Assembly Point: [Location] Emergency Contact: [Number] Nearest A&E: [Hospital name and distance] 9. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS - [Dust suppression measures] - [Noise mitigation] - [Waste disposal arrangements] - [Spill prevention and response] 10. REVIEW AND SIGN-OFF Prepared by: _________________ Date: _________ Name: [Name] Role: [Role] Reviewed by: _________________ Date: _________ Name: [Name] Role: [Role] Approved by: _________________ Date: _________ Name: [Name] Role: [Role] BRIEFING RECORD All operatives must be briefed on this method statement before commencing work. | Name | Signature | Date | |------|-----------|------| | | | | | | | |
Want more templates like this?
Get new AI workflows and construction templates delivered weekly. Free.
Subscribe Free
No spam ever.
When Do You Need This?
You need a method statement when:
- Starting any high-risk construction activity (working at height, hot works, confined spaces, demolition, excavation, etc.)
- The principal contractor or client requires one as part of their site requirements
- A new subcontractor is mobilising to site
- The scope of work changes significantly from what was originally planned
- Following an incident or near-miss where the existing method statement needs revision
- CDM 2015 regulations require a written safe system of work for the activity
Method statements should be prepared BEFORE work begins and briefed to all operatives who will carry out the work. They are living documents and should be updated whenever conditions change.
Who Uses This Template?
Method statements are used across multiple construction roles:
- Site Managers - Prepare, review, and enforce method statements for site activities
- Project Managers - Ensure method statements are in place before work packages commence
- Health and Safety Managers - Review method statements for compliance and adequacy
- Subcontractors - Prepare method statements for their scope of work
- Principal Contractors - Review and approve method statements from subcontractors
- Quantity Surveyors - Reference method statements when assessing variations that change the scope of work
Generate This with AI
You can generate a first draft of a method statement using AI in about 10 minutes. Here is how:
1. Open ChatGPT, Claude, or your preferred AI tool
2. Describe the specific activity (e.g., "installation of steelwork on a 4-storey commercial building")
3. Include key details: location, height, access arrangements, and any site-specific constraints
4. Ask the AI to generate a method statement following CDM 2015 requirements
5. Review carefully - AI will produce a solid structure but you MUST verify all safety controls, PPE requirements, and procedures against your specific site conditions
Check our AI Workflows section for ready-to-use prompts that generate construction method statements.
Template Details
- Cost
- Free
- Format
- Copy-paste ready
- Industry
- Construction
Related AI Workflows
Want to generate this document automatically with AI? Check our AI workflows for step-by-step prompts.
All 13 Templates
Get every template as a Word doc
Download all 13 construction templates as editable Word documents. Fill in your project details and submit. No formatting needed.
£29one-time
Get the Prompt PackInstant download. Editable files.
Try our software
Want these prompts pre-built?
AI Construction Copilot has all these workflows ready to run — no copy-pasting needed. Built specifically for construction professionals.
Try FreeFree newsletter
Get AI Tips Weekly
New construction AI workflows, prompts, and templates delivered to your inbox every week.
Subscribe FreeNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.