What Is a Method Statement in Construction?
A method statement is a document in which the contractor describes, step by step, how a specific activity will be carried out on site. It covers the sequence, resources, equipment, quality checks and safety controls, and is usually submitted for review before the work starts.
What a method statement contains
Contents vary by activity and by project requirements, but a typical method statement includes:
- Scope, location and the drawings and specifications that apply.
- Sequence of work, step by step.
- Labour, supervision, plant and materials needed.
- Quality control: inspections, tests and hold points.
- Health and safety controls and reference to the risk assessment.
- Roles and responsibilities.
Method statement versus risk assessment
The two documents work together. The method statement explains how the job will be done. The risk assessment identifies the hazards and the controls that reduce the risk. Many projects submit them as a pair, and a method statement that ignores the risk assessment is usually returned for revision.
Review and approval
The consultant or supervision team normally reviews the method statement and returns it with a status such as approved, approved with comments or rejected. Work on the activity should not start until the agreed status is given. Revisions should be tracked, so the site team works from the current version.
Method statements on Gulf projects
Gulf projects typically require method statements, often with risk assessments, for each major activity, reviewed by the consultant before work begins. Some authorities and clients add their own review or format requirements, so confirm what the project documents and the specification require.
How Arkan handles method statements
Arkan keeps method statements as controlled documents so the current version is easy to find.
- Upload as a Controlled Document with the purpose set to Method Statement, plus discipline, originator company and owner role.
- Controlled documents have version tracking and a full audit trail.
- Choose a visibility level of AdminOnly or ProjectTeam.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of a method statement?
To show the reviewer that the contractor has a safe, workable and quality-controlled plan for an activity before work starts.
Who prepares a method statement?
The contractor or the subcontractor responsible for the activity, usually with input from the site, quality and safety teams.
Is a method statement the same as a work procedure?
They are close. A method statement is specific to an activity on a project; a work procedure is often a company-wide standard that the method statement can refer to.
Related terms
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Last updated: 2026-10-14. Definitions are general guidance. Your contract and project procedures govern.
