Construction Method Statement Template & Guide (UK)

What is a construction method statement?

A construction method statement is a written document that describes how a specific construction task or activity will be carried out safely, step by step. It identifies the hazards, sets out the control measures, and confirms the resources, equipment, and sequence of work. In the UK, method statements are required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) for any construction work where significant risks are present. They are almost always paired with a risk assessment — this combination is known as RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement).

Why are method statements legally required in construction?

Construction remains one of the UK's most dangerous industries. According to HSE statistics for 2023/24, 45 workers were killed in construction, representing nearly a third of all workplace fatal injuries despite construction accounting for only 5% of the workforce. The primary legal driver for method statements is Regulation 13 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, which requires contractors to plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure it is carried out without risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.

Method statements provide evidence that work has been planned. They demonstrate compliance with the general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Section 2 (duty to employees) and Section 3 (duty to others affected by the work). When an HSE inspector arrives on site, one of the first things they will ask for is the RAMS package for the work being undertaken. A missing or inadequate method statement is evidence of a failure to plan, and it can result in an improvement notice, a prohibition notice, or prosecution.

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 15, principal contractors must ensure that every contractor they appoint has the skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out the work safely — and that suitable welfare facilities are provided. The method statement is the principal contractor's primary tool for confirming that the work has been thought through and the contractor knows what they are doing.

What is the difference between a risk assessment and a method statement?

A risk assessment identifies hazards, evaluates risks, and determines what control measures are necessary. It answers the question: what could go wrong, and what do we need to do about it? A method statement describes how the work will actually be done, step by step, incorporating those control measures. It answers the question: how are we going to do this safely?

In practice, the two documents are almost always produced together. The risk assessment informs the method statement — the hazards identified in the risk assessment dictate the precautions written into the method statement. For this reason, the term RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement) is now standard in UK construction. Some organisations produce a single combined document; others produce two separate documents that reference each other. Either approach is acceptable provided both elements are present and the method statement is clearly informed by the risk assessment findings.

It is a common mistake to produce a risk assessment and then fail to write a method statement, or to produce a method statement that lists what will be done without explaining how the identified risks will be controlled. Both documents must be present and must align. For more on the risk assessment side, see our construction risk assessments guide.

When is a method statement required?

A method statement is required for any construction activity where significant risks are present. Significant risks include but are not limited to: work at height (any work above ground level, including use of ladders, scaffolds, or mobile elevated work platforms), excavation and groundworks (risk of collapse, striking buried services, or workers/plant falling into excavations), lifting operations (cranes, hoists, telehandlers), work near live services (electrical, gas, water), demolition or structural alteration, work with hazardous substances (asbestos, lead paint, silica dust, solvents), hot works (welding, cutting, grinding that creates sparks or heat), confined space entry, and work in occupied buildings or near the public.

In practice, most construction activities meet at least one of these criteria, which is why RAMS are ubiquitous on UK construction sites. Even relatively low-risk tasks may require a method statement if they are being carried out in a high-risk environment — for example, routine maintenance work conducted at height or in a live hospital environment.

What must a construction method statement include?

There is no single legal template, but a compliant construction method statement should include the following sections:

• Project details: project name and address, name of the contractor and subcontractor (if applicable), client and principal contractor details, date and revision number.
• Scope of work: a clear description of the task or activity. For example, "erection of scaffolding to the south elevation of Building A to facilitate brickwork repairs at first floor level" — not "scaffolding works".
• Hazards identified: a summary of the significant hazards associated with the task, directly informed by the risk assessment. This should reference the risk assessment document by title and date.
• Sequence of work: a step-by-step description of how the work will be carried out, from site setup through to completion and demobilisation. Each step should incorporate the relevant control measures (e.g. "Step 3: Erect edge protection to all open edges before any operative accesses the working platform").
• Control measures: explicit statement of the precautions in place for each identified hazard. This should follow the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE). This is where the method statement operationalises the risk assessment.
• Plant and equipment: list of all plant, tools, and equipment to be used, including any inspection or certification requirements (e.g. LOLER inspection certificates for lifting equipment).
• Welfare and emergency arrangements: location of welfare facilities (toilets, drinking water, mess facilities), first aid provision, and emergency contact details. CDM 2015 Regulation 13(7) requires adequate welfare facilities from the start of construction work.
• Competence and training: confirmation that operatives hold the necessary qualifications and training (CSCS cards, CPCS/NPORS tickets, PASMA, IPAF, asbestos awareness, etc.).
• Permits and notifications: any permits to work required (hot work permit, confined space entry permit), notification to building occupants, traffic management plans.
• Sign-off: the name and signature of the person who prepared the method statement, the person who reviewed it (typically a site supervisor or contracts manager), and the date. Space for operatives to sign to confirm they have read and understood the method statement before starting work.

Step-by-step: how to write a construction method statement

Step 1: Identify the activity and its scope

Be specific. "Groundworks" is too vague. "Excavation of foundation trenches 1.2m deep for new extension footing using a 5-tonne excavator, installation of A142 mesh reinforcement, and concrete pour" is specific. The level of detail must match the complexity and risk profile of the task.

Step 2: Carry out or review the risk assessment

Before writing the method statement, you must have a completed risk assessment for the activity. This identifies the hazards (e.g. excavation collapse, striking buried services, plant/vehicle movement, manual handling of reinforcement) and sets out the required control measures (e.g. trial holes to locate services, excavation support if depth exceeds 1.2m, segregation of plant and pedestrians).

Step 3: Break the work into a logical sequence

Think through the job from start to finish. Typical stages might include: site setup and welfare, service location and marking, excavation in controlled lifts, inspection of excavation sides and support, installation of materials, backfilling and compaction, site reinstatement. Each stage should be a numbered step in the method statement.

Step 4: Incorporate the control measures into each step

For each step, state explicitly how the hazards will be controlled. Example: "Step 2: Excavation will proceed in 1m lifts. The machine operator will check for changes in soil type or signs of instability. If the excavation sides show signs of cracking or movement, work will stop immediately and the site supervisor will be notified. Trench sheets will be installed if the depth exceeds 1.2m or if the soil is unstable." This is the operationalisation of the risk assessment — turning the abstract control measure ("provide excavation support") into a concrete instruction.

Step 5: Specify plant, equipment, and competence

List what will be used and confirm it is suitable. "5-tonne tracked excavator (in-date LOLER inspection), operated by qualified CPCS 360 below 10 tonnes ticket holder. Trench sheets and hydraulic props (in-date thorough examination certificate) available on site. All operatives hold CSCS cards and have attended site induction."

Step 6: Confirm welfare, first aid, and emergency procedures

State where the welfare facilities are, who the first aider is, and what happens in an emergency. "Welfare unit located at site entrance. First aider: John Smith (mob: 07XXX). In the event of an emergency, dial 999, then notify site manager on 07XXX. Accident book held in site office."

Step 7: Get it reviewed and signed off

The method statement should be reviewed by a competent person — someone with the knowledge, experience, and authority to confirm it is suitable. This is typically the site manager or contracts manager. It must then be communicated to the operatives who will carry out the work. Best practice is to have a briefing session (a toolbox talk) where the method statement is read through and questions answered, and for each operative to sign the method statement to confirm understanding.

Common construction method statement mistakes

• Generic wording: "All operatives will take care" or "appropriate PPE will be worn" without specifying what is appropriate or how compliance will be monitored. HSE inspectors dismiss generic statements immediately.
• No clear sequence: a list of bullet points describing what might happen, rather than a step-by-step sequence describing what will happen and in what order.
• Method statement not informed by risk assessment: producing the method statement first, then writing a risk assessment to match, rather than letting the risk assessment findings dictate the method statement content.
• No operative involvement: method statements written in the office by someone who has never done the task. The people doing the work should be consulted — they know what the practical difficulties are.
• Never reviewed or updated: a method statement dated three years ago being used for work on a different site with different site conditions. Method statements must be site-specific and activity-specific.
• Not communicated: a method statement filed in the site office that the operatives have never seen. The law requires that information is provided to those who need it (CDM 2015 Regulation 13(3)).

Who is responsible for writing and approving the method statement?

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 13, the contractor carrying out the work is responsible for planning, managing, and monitoring that work. This means the contractor must produce the method statement. In a typical construction project structure, this works as follows: the principal contractor is responsible for coordinating the work and ensuring every contractor has suitable RAMS before starting. Each individual contractor (or subcontractor) is responsible for producing the RAMS for the specific trade package they are undertaking. The principal contractor reviews and approves those RAMS before work commences.

The person who writes the method statement should be competent — they must understand the work, the risks, the relevant regulations, and the control measures available. The person who approves the method statement must also be competent, with the authority to stop work if the method statement is inadequate. Competence does not necessarily require formal qualifications, but it does require relevant training, knowledge, and experience. A newly qualified site manager approving a method statement for complex temporary works without adequate experience is unlikely to meet the competence requirement.

Construction method statement template structure

Below is a complete template structure for a construction method statement. This is not a fill-in-the-blanks form — it is a framework showing what sections and level of detail are expected.

Project information

Project name: [Name]
Project address: [Full address including postcode]
Client: [Name]
Principal contractor: [Name]
Contractor/subcontractor: [Name]
Document reference: [e.g. MS-001]
Date prepared: [Date]
Revision number: [e.g. Rev 0]
Prepared by: [Name and role]
Reviewed by: [Name and role]
Approved by: [Name, role, and signature]

Scope of work

[Detailed description of the specific task, including location on site, extent of work, materials to be used, and approximate duration. Example: "Installation of 40m² of scaffolding to the rear elevation of Unit 3, to facilitate external cladding repairs at first and second floor level. Scaffold to be erected to 6m working height with full edge protection and boarded platforms at 2m intervals. Estimated duration: 2 days erection, 5 days working duration, 1 day dismantle."]

Reference documents

This method statement should be read in conjunction with:
— Risk assessment reference [e.g. RA-001 Scaffolding Erection dated 15/01/2025]
— Site-specific construction phase plan reference [e.g. CPP-001 Rev 2]
— Manufacturer instructions for [specific equipment]
— Permit to work reference [if applicable]

Hazards identified

[List the significant hazards from the risk assessment. Example:]
— Work at height during scaffold erection and use
— Falling materials or tools from height
— Manual handling of scaffold tubes and fittings
— Uncontrolled collapse of scaffold structure
— Vehicle/plant movement during material deliveries
— Adverse weather (high winds, ice)

Sequence of work

[Step-by-step description with control measures embedded. Example:]

Step 1: Site setup
The work area will be cordoned off using barrier fencing and hazard tape. Warning signs ("Scaffolding work in progress — hard hats must be worn") will be erected at all access points. The delivery vehicle will reverse into position under the supervision of a banksman wearing high-vis vest. All operatives will hold CSCS cards and will have attended site induction.

Step 2: Foundation and base plates
Scaffold base plates will be positioned on firm, level ground. Timber sole boards will be used where ground conditions are soft. Base lifts will be erected with temporary ties to the structure to prevent lateral movement. All uprights will be checked for plumb using a spirit level.

Step 3: Erection of subsequent lifts
Scaffold will be erected lift by lift (maximum 2m between platforms). Operatives will work from the previously completed platform, not from ladders. All platforms will be fully boarded before the next lift is commenced. Edge protection (toe board, mid-rail, top rail) will be installed to all open edges before any operative accesses the platform.

Step 4: Tying and bracing
The scaffold will be tied to the structure at intervals not exceeding 4m horizontally and 6m vertically, in accordance with TG20:13 (NASC guidance). Ties will be checked and tightened daily.

Step 5: Inspection and handover
On completion, the scaffold will be inspected by a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder. An inspection report (TG20 format) will be issued and a copy displayed at the access point. A handover certificate will be issued to the principal contractor. The scaffold will be tagged green (safe to use).

Plant, equipment, and materials

[List with inspection status. Example:]
— Scaffold tubes, fittings, and boards (all tagged and in-date inspection)
— Scaffold ties and anchors
— Spirit levels, spanners, hammers
— Scaffold hoists [if applicable] (current LOLER thorough examination certificate)
— PPE: hard hats, safety footwear, gloves, high-vis vests, harnesses [if required]

Competence and training

All scaffold erectors hold CISRS Scaffolder cards (or trainee card working under supervision of CISRS card holder). The scaffold will be inspected by a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder before handover. All operatives hold in-date CSCS cards and have completed site induction training. Operatives have been briefed on this method statement and have signed below to confirm understanding.

Welfare and emergency arrangements

Welfare facilities (toilets, wash facilities, drinking water, mess area) located at [location]. First aider: [Name, contact number]. First aid kit located at [location]. In the event of emergency, dial 999, then notify [site manager name and number]. Nearest A&E: [hospital name and postcode for satnav]. Accident book held in site office.

Permits and notifications

[List any permits required, e.g.]
— Permit to work reference: PTW-003 (scaffolding near overhead power lines) issued by [name] on [date]
— Building occupants notified by email on [date]
— Scaffolding register updated

Monitoring and review

The scaffold will be inspected weekly by a competent person in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 Regulation 12, and after any event likely to affect its stability (adverse weather, accidental impact). Inspection reports will be retained on site. This method statement will be reviewed if there is any significant change in the work or if an incident occurs.

Operative sign-off

I confirm I have read and understood this method statement and the associated risk assessment. I am competent to carry out this work and I agree to follow the sequence and control measures described.

[Table with columns: Name (print), Signature, CSCS/CISRS card number, Date]

RAMS: risk assessments and method statements together

RAMS is the term for the combined package of risk assessment and method statement. In practice, many organisations produce a single document with both elements integrated, rather than two separate documents. Either approach is acceptable provided both the risk assessment and the method statement components are clearly present. The risk assessment must identify hazards and evaluate risks; the method statement must describe the work sequence and control measures. Some sectors (particularly civil engineering and infrastructure) prefer separate documents because the risk assessment may apply to multiple activities, whereas each activity needs its own method statement. Other sectors (particularly building and refurbishment) prefer a combined RAMS document because the risk assessment and method statement are so closely linked that separating them creates duplication.

Regardless of format, the key is that the method statement must be informed by the risk assessment findings, and the control measures in the method statement must address the risks identified in the risk assessment. An inspector checking a RAMS package will look for this alignment. For more on the risk assessment side of RAMS, see our dedicated construction risk assessment guide.

Pre-construction information and the construction phase plan

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 4(4), the client must provide pre-construction information to every designer and contractor appointed to the project. This information includes details of the site, existing structures, previous uses, known hazards (asbestos, contaminated ground), and any constraints on how the work can be carried out. The contractor uses this information to inform their risk assessments and method statements.

Under CDM 2015 Regulation 12, the principal contractor must prepare a construction phase plan before the construction phase begins. This sets out the health and safety arrangements for the project, including site rules, welfare arrangements, and how the work will be coordinated. Individual method statements must be consistent with the construction phase plan. For example, if the construction phase plan states that no hot works are permitted without a permit, then any method statement involving welding must reference the hot work permit system.

How Anyrisks can help with construction RAMS

Writing a detailed, site-specific construction method statement from scratch can take an experienced site manager an hour or more. For smaller contractors, the administrative burden of producing RAMS for every task is significant. Anyrisks enables contractors to generate a professionally written, CDM 2015-compliant RAMS package in under 2 minutes. You describe the activity, the location, the equipment, and any known hazards — and the system produces a complete risk assessment and method statement tailored to that task.

The output is not a generic template. It is a specific document that names the actual hazards for the described activity, applies the correct hierarchy of controls, references the relevant regulations (CDM 2015, Work at Height Regulations 2005, LOLER 1998, etc.), and follows the standard RAMS structure expected by principal contractors and HSE inspectors. The document is delivered as both PDF and editable Word format, so you can add your project details, adjust the sequence of work if needed, and have your operatives sign off on it.

Anyrisks does not replace the competent person — the RAMS must still be reviewed by someone who understands the work and the site conditions. But it eliminates the blank-page problem and ensures that the starting point is a well-structured, legally compliant document rather than a vague generic template. For £29, you get a RAMS package that would otherwise take an hour to write and cost significantly more in labour time.

Related guides

For more on the risk assessment component of RAMS, see our construction risk assessments guide. For information on the CDM 2015 regulations and the roles of client, principal designer, and principal contractor, see our CDM regulations guide. For specific high-risk activities, see our guides on working at height risk assessments and confined space risk assessments.