Projects are made up of tasks. Each of those tasks needs to be completed to meet certain quality standards. However, they also have to be done safely and, often, under specific conditions or regulatory requirements. A method statement is a document that ensures tasks check these boxes.
We’ll explain what a method statement is, when it should be used and what should be included to help with writing one. To ensure that nothing is left out of this process, readers can also download a free method statement template to help them get started.
What Is a Method Statement?
A method statement is a document that outlines the step-by-step process for completing a specific task or activity in a project while ensuring safety, quality and compliance with regulations. It provides clear instructions on how work should be carried out, the equipment and materials required and the health and safety measures to be followed.
Method statements are commonly used in construction, engineering, manufacturing and high-risk industries, where detailed planning and risk management are essential. They help workers understand their responsibilities, minimize hazards and ensure that work is performed consistently and efficiently.
When project teams follow a well-structured method statement, they can reduce risks, improve efficiency and ensure compliance with industry standards. The method statement sets up the parameters, but project management software takes those instructions and puts them into practical use.
ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views so that the project manager and their teams have the right tools at hand to do their job as defined by the method statement. This includes scheduling tasks, resources and costs on robust Gantt charts that link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns. Our Gantt chart also filters for the critical path to identify essential tasks. Then it sets a baseline to track planned against actual effort in real time.
That gives project managers the tools they need to plan, manage and track work. Those plans are shared across the software, allowing various teams to choose the right feature to get their tasks done. They can use the visual workflow of a kanban board or task lists that prioritize and add tags and comments to better collaborate with others. Stakeholders can see progress by using our calendar view. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
When to Use a Method Statement
A method statement should be used whenever a task or process requires detailed instructions to ensure consistency, safety and compliance. It is particularly useful in projects or operations where risks must be minimized, quality must be maintained and clear guidance is needed. Below are some key scenarios where method statements are essential.
Business Process Improvement
In business process improvement initiatives, method statements help document standardized procedures for optimizing workflows. They provide a structured approach to streamlining operations, reducing inefficiencies and ensuring that employees follow best practices when implementing new processes.
Project Management
Method statements play a critical role in project management, particularly in industries like construction, IT and engineering. They outline the exact steps for executing tasks, ensuring that project activities are completed safely, on time and according to specifications. This helps manage risks, improve coordination and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Operations Management
In day-to-day operations, method statements help businesses maintain consistency, quality and safety in routine tasks. Whether in manufacturing, logistics or facility management, these documents ensure that employees follow the correct procedures, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency.
Using a method statement in these scenarios helps maintain control, accountability and compliance so that work is carried out effectively and safely.
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Method Statement Template
Use this free Method Statement Template for Word to manage your projects better.
What Should Be Included in a Method Statement?
A method statement is a detailed document that outlines the correct way to perform a task while ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance. It serves as a guide for workers, project managers and safety officers, helping to minimize risks and maintain quality. Below are the key components that should be included.
Project Details
This section provides basic information about the project, including the project name, location, start date and key stakeholders involved. It sets the context for the method statement.
Scope of Work
The scope of work defines the task or process, including specific activities, deliverables and any limitations or exclusions. This ensures that all parties understand the extent of the work.
Roles and Responsibilities
Identifies key personnel involved in executing and overseeing the task. This includes project managers, supervisors, workers and safety officers to ensure accountability at every stage.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This is a detailed, sequential breakdown of how the task should be performed. It includes instructions on equipment use, materials required and technical processes to follow.
Risk Assessment
Outlines potential hazards associated with the task and the measures in place to mitigate these risks. This helps ensure a safe working environment.
Resource Requirements
This section lists the materials, tools, equipment and workforce needed to complete the task efficiently. This ensures proper planning and resource allocation.
Safety Measures
Safety measures detail the health and safety protocols workers must follow, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work practices and adherence to regulatory standards.
Emergency Procedures
In this section of a method statement, the steps to take in case of an accident, fire, equipment failure or other emergencies are outlined. It ensures that workers know how to respond to critical situations.
Quality Control Parameters
These parameters define the standards and criteria that must be met to ensure the task is completed to the required quality. It may include inspections, testing and approval processes.
A well-prepared method statement helps ensure efficiency, safety and compliance in any project or operational task.
Method Statement Template
This free method statement template for Word allows organizations to define the tasks, resources, safety measures and other important details required to standardize workflows and operational procedures.
Method Statement Example
To better understand how a method statement works, let’s review the process in a real-life scenario. In the below example, we’re imagining a building that needs a window installation, a process that requires safety procedures and adherence to building codes.
Project Details
The method statement begins with high-level information, such as location, date, etc.
- Process Name: Installation of Glass Window Panels
- Location: ABC Office Building, 456 Business Avenue
- Reference Number: WIN-002
- Project Manager: Mark Johnson
- Date of Issue: February 14, 2025
Scope of Work
This method statement outlines the process for installing glass window panels into the designated openings of the building. The work includes the safe handling, fitting and securing of window panels according to project specifications.
Roles and Responsibilities
Everyone involved in the window installation will be mentioned in the method statement, as will their roles in the procedure.
- Project Manager: Oversee the installation process and ensure all safety and quality standards are met.
- Site Supervisor: Supervise installation teams and ensure compliance with the method statement.
- Window Installer: Carry out the installation of glass panels to ensure they are fitted properly and securely.
- Safety Officer: Monitor safety practices, provide training and ensure workers use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Quality Control Inspector: Inspect the installed panels for quality, alignment and proper sealing.
Step-by-Step Procedure
At this point, the process is outlined in detail to ensure that the work is being performed correctly, safely and to code requirements.
1. Preparation
- Verify the glass panel dimensions and ensure they match the required sizes for each window opening.
- Prepare the installation area, including cleaning the window frames and ensuring they are free of debris.
2. Handling and Transporting Glass Panels
- Use proper lifting equipment (e.g., suction cups, cranes) to lift and transport glass panels to the installation area.
- Ensure workers are trained in safe handling techniques to avoid injury or damage to glass panels.
3. Window Panel Installation
- Carefully position the glass panel within the window frame using a lifting team.
- Check the alignment of the panel to ensure it fits properly within the frame.
- Secure the glass panel using the appropriate fasteners and sealants.
4. Sealing and Finishing:
- Apply sealant around the edges of the window frame to prevent water and air infiltration.
- Ensure the panel is securely fastened and check for any gaps or misalignments.
5. Post-Installation Inspection:
- Inspect each window panel for proper installation, including the sealant application and verify the alignment and functionality of opening mechanisms (if applicable).
- Clean the glass surfaces to remove any smudges, fingerprints or installation debris.
Risk Assessment
One of the purposes of a method statement is to reduce risk. Therefore, this section identifies the risks associated with this procedure for those involved to be aware of them and, hopefully, avoid them.
- Risk of Falling Glass: Glass panels can fall and cause injury or damage.
Mitigation: Use appropriate lifting equipment, team members and safety barriers to protect the area. - Injury During Handling: Risk of cuts or crush injuries during glass handling.
Mitigation: Ensure all workers wear gloves, safety goggles and other necessary PPE. - Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards: The work area may have debris or wet conditions.
Mitigation: Maintain a clean and dry work area, use proper footwear and install warning signs.
Resource Requirements
Every task requires human and nonhuman resources. This section of the method statement will list all the resources required to complete the task.
- Personnel: Four window installers, one site supervisor, one safety officer, one quality control inspector.
- Equipment: Cranes, suction cups, scaffolding, lifting straps, power tools, sealant applicators, PPE (gloves, goggles, hard hats).
- Materials: Glass panels, fasteners, sealants, cleaning materials.
Safety Measures
Because installing windows in a building can be dangerous, this part of the method statement details how the workers will execute the task to reduce the possibility of injury.
- Workers must wear PPE at all times, including gloves, hard hats, safety boots and eye protection.
- Glass handling equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it’s in good working condition.
- Set up safety barriers around the installation area to prevent unauthorized access and protect workers below.
- Perform regular safety checks before beginning each stage of the installation process.
Emergency Procedures
If there’s an emergency, the method statement is prepared. This section lists those issues and how to mitigate or respond to them.
- Injury: Apply first aid and immediately call emergency medical services for serious injuries.
- Glass Breakage: If glass breaks during installation, clear the area immediately, wear proper gloves and dispose of broken glass safely.
- Fire: In case of fire, evacuate the area and activate the building’s fire suppression system.
- Falling Objects: If glass panels or equipment fall, stop work and inspect safety measures before resuming.
Quality Control Parameters
The method statement also ensures that the deliverable will meet quality standards. This section ensures that’s the case.
- Panel Alignment: Ensure the glass panels are aligned properly within the window frame, with equal spacing on all sides.
- Sealing: Verify that the sealant is applied evenly and completely to prevent water infiltration.
- Cleaning: Ensure that all glass panels are free from fingerprints, smudges or other installation marks.
- Functionality: Check that windows open and close smoothly (if applicable) and that hardware is properly installed.
Related Project Management Templates
There are other free templates beyond the free method statement template that can help with managing project management processes. We have over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Download these to help deliver successful projects.
Standard Operating Procedure Template
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of instructions that direct an organization or project team on how to do a task. This free standard operation procedure template for Word is simpler to the method statement template and can help deliver more successful projects.
Process Map Template
Use this free process map template for Excel to improve efficiency, reduce efforts and ensure consistency in operations. This will help organizations visualize workflows, identify inefficiencies and optimize processes to improve collaboration and decision-making.
SIPOC Template
SIPOC is an acronym for suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs and customers. Use this free SIPOC template for Excel to diagram business processes from start to finish. Doing this before implementation helps managers make better decisions and gives teams a better understanding of the process.
How ProjectManager Helps Manage Projects From Start to Finish
Templates are useful when exploring a process and how to ensure that it covers all the bases in terms of being done correctly and safely and meeting requirements and regulations. However, templates fall short when it comes time to plan, manage and track that work. That’s because templates are just static Excel documents that aren’t equipped to handle dynamic project management. For that, use project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that helps plan projects and execute them across multiple project views but also manages resources and track progress, cost and performance in real time.
Robust Resource Management Keeps Teams Productive
Once the method statement is completed, resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart and teams are onboarded. During this process, our software allows project managers to set their team’s availability, including PTO, vacation, global holidays and skill sets to make assigning them tasks easier. Then toggle to the color-coded workload chart to get an overview of resource allocation and see who is overallocated or underutilized. From that chart, project managers can balance workloads to keep teams working at capacity while avoiding burnout. There’s even a team page to get a daily or weekly summary of the team’s activities.
Real-time Project Management Dashboards and Reports
To make sure the project is moving forward as planned, project managers can get a high-level view of the progress and performance on real-time project or portfolio dashboards. They take live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. Customizable reports on project status, portfolio status, variance, timesheets, workload and more go deeper into the data or can be filtered for a more general view to share with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets, which streamline payroll, help by tracking labor costs to keep the project within its budget.
Related Content
For those who want to read more about project management and how it helps to deliver successful projects, follow the links below. They lead to related topics that have recently been published to our blog.
- How to Write a Scope of Work
- Project Scope Statement: How to Write One With Examples
- What to Include In a Construction Daily Report
- Free Construction Daily Report Template for Excel
ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
