Also known as a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP), a method statement is a document that outlines the steps and precautions required to perform a specific task or project safely and effectively. It typically includes a detailed description of the work to be carried out, equipment and tools required, the sequence of operations, safety measures, potential hazards, and risk assessments. Method statements are commonly used in construction, engineering, and other industries to ensure that work is completed efficiently, effectively, and in a safe manner. 

Proven to be a practical way to plan, manage and monitor work, a method statement provides a clear and concise plan of action to all individuals involved in a project or task. This helps to ensure that everyone is aware of the procedures to be followed. It also helps to identify any potential problems or issues that may arise and provides a framework for resolving them. It may also include arrangements for dealing with serious or imminent danger. 

The most effective method statements often include diagrams to make it clear how the work should be carried out. This allows the job to be properly planned with the appropriate health and safety resources required for it. 

A partner to your organisation’s Risk Assessments 

Method statements take account of risks identified by the risk assessment and communicate the safe system of work to those carrying it out, especially for higher-risk complex or unusual work. A method statement draws together the information compiled about the various hazards and the ways in which they are to be controlled for a specific task from the conclusions of the risk assessments. If a similar operation is repeated, the method statement will be comparable from job to job. However, if circumstances change markedly, the method statement should be revised for each job. 

The iProtectU software is a user-friendly, intuitive one-stop system for your organisation’s method statement / SOP needs. It is a location for you to store your method assessments in one online register, ready for you and designated staff to view, edit and amend the assessments as required.