Consultancy > H &S Phase Plans & Method Statements

Method Statements and H&S Phase Plans

Method Statements are essential in the preparation of construction and demolition. It has been a legal requirement since the introduction of the Health & Safety at work Act 1974 to provide safe working procedures. Whether tendering for work, protecting your employees or protecting the public there is now a great emphasis placed on recording safe working methods.

A method statement is a document that details the way in which a work task is to be carried out. The method statement should identify the hazards involved and should include a detailed guide on how to do the job in a safe manner. The method statement must also include the control measures which have been introduced to ensure the safety of anyone who is affected by the tasks involved.

A method statement is always site specific and is generally agreed between the client and the principal contractor or a principal contractor and another contractor. The method statement must be written by a competent person who is familiar with the work to be carried out.

What should be in a method statement?

Normally you would expect to see the following included:

  • Sequence of Events Check List
  • Procedures of work
  • Site Risk Assessments
  • Fire Risk Assessments
  • Work at Height Assessments
  • Task Risk Assessments
  • CoSHH Assessment
  • Any other documents such as site induction and vibration log sheets

Construction Health and Safety Phase Plan

Under the CDM Regulations it is a requirement of the principal contractor to develop a Construction H&S Phase Plan to a level that is acceptable prior to the commencement of work on site. The amount of detail in the safety plan will be dependant upon the nature and scope of the project and on the contract arrangements for the construction work.

The Construction H&S Phase Plan must detail exactly how health and safety risks will be managed, what the emergencies procedures for the site are, and the methods of communication to be used. 

The Plan must be relevant to the particular project and should build on the information provided by the CDM Coordinator and the Pre-Construction Information. In addition, the Plan should set out the arrangements for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of everyone carrying out the construction work and all others who may be affected by it.

What should be in the Construction Health and Safety Phase Plan?

Normally you would expect to see the following included:

  • Description of the project.
  • Communication and Management of the Project
  • Arrangements for Control of the Significant Risks
  • Site Specific Arrangements
  • The Health and Safety File

If you would like more information on the above services please call our office on 01642 754880 and ask to speak to one of our advisers.