Method statements are important documents that outline the way a process or task will be carried out. This statement (also referred to as a "safe system of work") will detail potential hazards and the steps that will be taken to complete the job safely. It will also include the control measures taken to ensure the lowest risk of hazard to those partaking in the process or work task. These statements are requested by companies that are considering hiring another company to complete a task and need to be sure that proper safety measures are being followed. It takes some practice to feel confident when you have to write a method statement, but, by following a few steps, you will quickly become more comfortable.
Steps
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Prepare to write by conducting a risk assessment--an in-depth examination of the task or process. [1] X Research source
- Identify the work hazards (those that could potentially cause poor health or personal harm) that are inherent in the task.
- Analyze what has been done about these hazards and if these measures are enough to reduce the harm potential to an acceptable level.
- Decide what additional measures need to be taken to reduce harm if an acceptable level has not been met.
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Begin to write your method statement, starting at the header. This first section includes information pertinent to staff and clients, such as: [2] X Research source
- A standard operating procedure or title.
- A site address.
- Your company name, address, logo and identifying details.
- Projected start and end dates for task.
- A description of the work to be conducted.
- The method statement's author and health and safety contacts.
- Other document-specific information such as the revision date and number, issue date and document number.
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Write the second section of the method statement, which outlines the projected hazards and the safety measures taken to address these hazards. [3] X Research source
- Detail the type of personal protective equipment to be worn by workers.
- Describe any environmental or quality considerations and subsequent procedures.
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Write the third section of the method statement, which provides more detail related to the task and other relevant information, including: [4] X Research source
- First aid procedures.
- The work staff and any training and personal protective equipment required.
- Work permits.
- Lock-off and machinery shutdown procedures.
- Egress and site access.
- The process for properly handling materials.
- Any scaffolding that will be used.
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Write the final section, which details the appropriately-ordered and step-by-step instructions that must be followed to most safely accomplish the task or work process. [5] X Research source
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo you have any tips for writing a management case study?Pete Canalichio is a Brand Strategist, Licensing Expert, and Founder of BrandAlive. With nearly 30 years of experience at companies such as Coca-Cola and Newell Brands, he specializes in helping brands find the most authentic parts of their story to build a brand strategy. Pete holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS in Physics from the United States Naval Academy. In 2006, he won an MVP Award from Newell Brands for his contributions to their Global Licensing department. He’s also penned the award-winning book, Expand, Grow, Thrive.I use the STAR acronym when writing a management case study. It starts with the Situation where all background information and context goes here, what was happening before and during the case, and who exactly are the key players. Next, outline the Task, describing the specific problem or objective the person or the team was handed. Next should come detailed Actions, describing all the steps taken by the principal person and their supporting parties. This is then followed by the Results, pointing out what kind of outcomes were pulled off from those actions.
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Tips
- Risk assessments are conducted to protect the health and safety of workers on the task or process first, and secondarily to meet legislative code.Thanks
Warnings
- Be sure to address the safety measures required to comply with legislative safety laws as well as measures to fulfill company policies.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.hsdirect.co.uk/free-resources/health-and-safety/free-method-statement-template/
- ↑ https://www.hsdirect.co.uk/free-resources/health-and-safety/free-method-statement-template/
- ↑ https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/your-industry/construction/construction/general-requirements-accordians/prepare-safe-work-method-statement
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/method-statement
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/method-statement
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