SSSTS Method Statements — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a method statement on a construction site?
- To list the materials needed for a task
- To describe the safe system of work for a specific activity, detailing the sequence of operations, hazards, and control measures step by step (Correct answer)
- To set out the programme of works
- To record completed work for billing purposes
Correct answer: To describe the safe system of work for a specific activity, detailing the sequence of operations, hazards, and control measures step by step
A method statement (also called a safe system of work) describes how a specific task or activity will be carried out safely. It details the sequence of operations, identifies hazards at each stage, specifies control measures, and outlines the resources, equipment, and competencies required.
Question 2: Who should be involved in preparing a method statement for a high-risk activity such as steel erection?
- Only the office-based planner
- The site supervisor, workers who will carry out the task, the structural engineer, and the health and safety adviser (Correct answer)
- Only the client
- The method statement is provided by the HSE
Correct answer: The site supervisor, workers who will carry out the task, the structural engineer, and the health and safety adviser
Method statements for high-risk activities should be prepared collaboratively, involving those with practical site knowledge (supervisors and workers), technical expertise (engineers), and safety competence (H&S advisers). This ensures the method is both technically correct and practically workable.
Question 3: What key information should a method statement include?
- Only the name of the contractor
- The scope of work, sequence of operations, hazards and risks, control measures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and the competencies needed (Correct answer)
- Only the start and finish dates
- A drawing of the finished product
Correct answer: The scope of work, sequence of operations, hazards and risks, control measures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, and the competencies needed
A comprehensive method statement includes: description and scope of the work, step-by-step sequence of operations, hazards and risks at each stage, control measures for each hazard, PPE requirements, plant and equipment needed, competency requirements, emergency procedures, and environmental considerations.
Question 4: How should a method statement be communicated to the workers who will carry out the task?
- Pin it on the noticeboard and assume everyone reads it
- Brief the workers directly, explain each step and the associated controls, answer questions, confirm understanding, and keep the document accessible on site (Correct answer)
- Email it to the main office
- It does not need to be communicated — it is a management document only
Correct answer: Brief the workers directly, explain each step and the associated controls, answer questions, confirm understanding, and keep the document accessible on site
The method statement must be actively communicated through face-to-face briefings where workers can ask questions. The supervisor should explain each step, highlight the key risks and controls, confirm workers understand their responsibilities, and ensure the document remains accessible for reference throughout the task.
Question 5: When should a method statement be revised?
- Never — once written it is final
- When site conditions change, the work method is altered, new hazards are identified, after an incident, or when a review identifies improvements (Correct answer)
- Only when the client requests changes
- Only at the end of the project for lessons learned
Correct answer: When site conditions change, the work method is altered, new hazards are identified, after an incident, or when a review identifies improvements
Method statements should be revised when there are changes to site conditions, work methods, equipment, or personnel; when new hazards are identified; after an accident or near miss relating to the activity; or when a review identifies that improvements can be made to the safe system of work.
Question 6: What is the relationship between a risk assessment and a method statement?
- They are unrelated documents
- The risk assessment identifies the hazards and evaluates the risks, while the method statement describes how the work will be done safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment (Correct answer)
- A method statement replaces the need for a risk assessment
- A risk assessment replaces the need for a method statement
Correct answer: The risk assessment identifies the hazards and evaluates the risks, while the method statement describes how the work will be done safely, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment
The risk assessment and method statement are complementary documents. The risk assessment identifies what can go wrong and evaluates the level of risk. The method statement then describes the safe system of work, incorporating the control measures identified in the risk assessment into a practical, step-by-step procedure.
SSSTS Method Statements
What is the purpose of a method statement on a construction site?