Method Statement Software — Safe Systems of Work

Create comprehensive method statements with step-by-step sequences, personnel tracking, and multi-party sign-off.

What is a Method Statement?

A method statement (also called a safe system of work or SSOW) is a document describing how a task will be carried out safely. It breaks work into a sequence of steps, identifying hazards, controls, and responsible persons at each stage.

While not always legally required, method statements are commonly requested by principal contractors, clients, and main contractors as part of RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) submissions. They demonstrate competence, help coordinate work on complex sites, and provide a clear safety roadmap for your team.

Risk Ranger's method statement software helps you create professional, detailed safe systems of work in minutes — without wrestling with Word templates or copying old documents that no longer match the job.

Step-by-Step Work Sequences

Break down complex tasks into clear, manageable steps. Our sequence builder lets you structure work logically and identify risks at each stage.

  • Drag-to-reorder steps — Adjust your sequence on the fly as work evolves
  • Hazards and controls per step — Identify what could go wrong and how you'll prevent it
  • Responsible person assignment — Make it clear who's accountable at each stage
  • Permit requirements — Flag hot work, confined space, or other permits needed
  • Estimated duration — Plan timing and resource allocation effectively

Each step becomes a clear instruction for your team, ensuring everyone knows what to do, how to do it safely, and who's in charge.

Example: Roof Repair Sequence

Step 1: Erect scaffold and edge protection
Step 2: Inspect roof condition and mark hazards
Step 3: Remove damaged tiles (designated area only)
Step 4: Install replacement tiles and flashing
Step 5: Clean up debris and inspect completed work
Step 6: Dismantle scaffold and clear site

Each step includes hazards, controls, and responsible person.

Personnel & Competency Tracking

Your method statement should make it clear who's doing the work, what qualifications they hold, and how to contact them in an emergency.

  • Assign roles — Site manager, supervisor, operative, subcontractor
  • Track qualifications — CSCS, SMSTS, trade cards, specialist certifications
  • Record competencies — Working at height, asbestos awareness, IPAF, etc.
  • Training requirements — Flag who needs toolbox talks or site inductions
  • Emergency contacts — Store phone numbers for each team member

Clients and principal contractors want to know you've got the right people for the job. Risk Ranger helps you prove it.

Equipment, PPE & Materials

A complete method statement documents everything needed to complete the work safely. Track tools, vehicles, PPE, and materials in one place.

  • Equipment types — Tools, plant, vehicles, access equipment
  • Quantity tracking — Record how many of each item you'll need
  • Inspection requirements — Flag items needing LOLER, PAT, or daily checks
  • Certification status — Store proof of inspections and operator tickets
  • PPE specifications — Hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, harness, respirator
  • Materials list — Track hazardous substances and reference COSHH assessments

Nothing gets forgotten when you've got a complete checklist. Your team arrives on site with everything they need, and clients see you're organised.

Emergency Procedures

When an emergency happens, there's no time to think. Your method statement should include clear, pre-defined emergency procedures so everyone knows what to do.

  • First aid protocols — Location of kits, trained personnel, hospital details
  • Fire procedures — Extinguisher types, hot work permits, evacuation routes
  • Spill response — Containment, clean-up, environmental reporting
  • Evacuation plans — Assembly points, roll call, emergency contacts
  • Incident reporting — Who to notify, RIDDOR requirements, client escalation
  • Pre-defined templates — Standard procedures you can adapt per site

Risk Ranger lets you store standard emergency procedures and adapt them for each job. No need to rewrite the same information every time.

Multi-Party Sign-Off

A method statement isn't just a document — it's a commitment. Ensure everyone reviews, approves, and accepts responsibility before work starts.

  • Four-stage approval — Preparer → Reviewer → Approver → Client
  • Digital signatures — Captured with timestamp and user identity
  • Status workflow — Draft → Under Review → Approved → Active → Superseded
  • Version control — Create new versions without losing history
  • Rejection feedback — Reviewers can reject with comments for revision
  • Email notifications — Automatic alerts when action is required

Clients love digital sign-off. It proves everyone reviewed the method statement, and you've got an audit trail showing when and by whom.

1

Preparer

Site supervisor drafts the method statement

2

Reviewer

Site manager reviews and checks accuracy

3

Approver

Company director or H&S manager approves

4

Client

Principal contractor accepts the method statement

Risk Assessment Linking

Method statements and risk assessments go hand in hand. Risk Ranger lets you link existing risk assessments to your method statements, ensuring consistency and saving time.

  • Link to existing Full RAs — No need to duplicate hazard analysis
  • Referenced RAs appear in the document — Your method statement PDF includes linked assessments
  • Consistency checks — Controls in the RA match controls in the MS
  • One-click RAMS packs — Bundle RA + MS together for client submission
  • Version tracking — See which version of the RA was linked at sign-off
  • Change alerts — Get notified if a linked RA is updated

Clients often ask for RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) packs. With linked documents, you can generate the complete package in one click.

Method Statements as Part of Your Safety System

Method statements don't exist in isolation. Risk Ranger connects them to your wider safety management processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about method statements and safe systems of work.

A comprehensive method statement should include: the scope of work, a step-by-step sequence of activities, personnel involved (with roles and competencies), equipment and PPE required, hazards and control measures at each step, emergency procedures, and sign-off from relevant parties. Risk Ranger's method statement software guides you through all these sections, ensuring nothing is missed.

Method statements are not explicitly required by law in the UK, but they are commonly required by clients, principal contractors, and main contractors as part of pre-qualification and tender submissions. Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), contractors must plan, manage, and monitor construction work to ensure it's carried out safely — method statements are a practical way to demonstrate compliance. Many clients will not allow work to start without an approved method statement.

Yes. Risk Ranger lets you link existing Full Risk Assessments directly to your method statements. This ensures consistency between your hazard analysis and your safe system of work, and makes it easy to generate complete RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statement) packs for client submission. Linked documents appear together in the final PDF export.

Risk Ranger's multi-party sign-off workflow allows each signatory to review and sign the method statement within the platform. Digital signatures are captured with a timestamp and the user's identity, creating a clear audit trail. The workflow supports four stages: Preparer → Reviewer → Approver → Client, with email notifications at each stage. Signatories can also reject documents with feedback if revisions are needed.

Stop Copying Word Templates — Build Method Statements That Impress

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