Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding a Method Statement for Construction and Trades
- Key Elements of a SafeHands Method Statements for Construction and Trades
- The Link Between Method Statements and Safety Statements
- Why Method Statements Matter in Construction and Trades
- Who Needs a Method Statement?
- Our Process for Creating a Method Statement for Construction and Trades
- Safety Statements: The Broader Compliance Document
- Benefits of Having Both Documents in Place
- Why Choose SafeHands?
- Payment and Delivery Information
- Taking Action
Introduction
In the construction industry, safety planning is not simply a box-ticking exercise - it is an essential process that keeps workers safe, projects on track, and businesses compliant with current legislation. Among the most important safety documents are the method statement and safety statement for construction and trades. These two forms of documentation work together to protect your workforce, reduce risks, and demonstrate your commitment to safety on site.
At SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions, we provide tailored safety documentation for construction contractors, project managers, and tradespeople. Our professional health and safety advisors combine industry knowledge with practical site experience to create documents that are compliant, easy to follow, and specific to your project.
Understanding a Method Statement for Construction and Trades
A method statement is a detailed, task-specific document that explains step by step how a construction activity should be carried out safely. It is particularly important for higher-risk tasks such as:
- Demolition and dismantling
- Structural steel erection
- Excavation and trenching
- Working at height
- Lifting operations
- Operating heavy plant and machinery
Method statements are also widely used in specialist trades such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical installation, flooring, and window cleaning. They are not generic templates – when created by SafeHands, they are site-specific, practical, and easy for your team to understand.
Key Elements of a SafeHands Method Statements for Construction and Trades
Every construction method statement we produce includes:
- Description of the task – Clear details about what the work involves.
- Sequence of operations – Step-by-step instructions for carrying out the task.
- Identified hazards – All foreseeable risks associated with the activity.
- Control measures – Actions and equipment required to reduce risks.
- Responsibilities – Who is responsible for supervising and carrying out each stage.
- Emergency procedures – Guidance on what to do if something goes wrong.
- Site-specific details – Conditions, equipment, and access arrangements unique to the job.
By breaking down complex activities into manageable steps, a construction method statement gives supervisors and operatives the knowledge and confidence to work safely.
The Link Between Method Statements and Safety Statements
While the construction and trades method statement focuses on individual tasks, the safety statement provides a wider framework for workplace safety. The safety statement:
- Sets out your company’s safety policy.
- Describes your overall approach to risk management.
- Includes the results of your risk assessments.
- Identifies roles, responsibilities, and procedures for all site staff.
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, a safety statement is a legal requirement for every business. Having both documents in place ensures you are managing safety at both the organisational and operational level.
Why Method Statements Matter in Construction and Trades
The construction and trades method statement plays a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient site operations:
- Reduces accidents by clearly setting out safe systems of work.
- Improves communication between supervisors and operatives.
- Supports compliance with current legislation.
- Reassures clients that high-risk tasks are planned and controlled.
- Prepares teams for audits or inspections by showing documented safe working practices.
By using clear, site-specific guidance, you help ensure that tasks are carried out consistently and safely – even when team members change.
Who Needs a Method Statement?
SafeHands prepares method statements for a wide range of construction industry professionals, including:
- Main contractors and subcontractors
- Project managers
- Site safety officers
- Civil engineering and groundworks companies
- Self-employed builders and tradespeople
- Facilities managers overseeing construction or refurbishment works
In each case, our documents are tailored to the specific project, site conditions, and workforce.
Our Process for Creating a Method Statement for Construction and Trades
When you work with SafeHands, your construction and trades method statement is developed through a clear process:
- Consultation – Understanding your project, scope of work, and site conditions.
- Hazard Identification – Assessing the risks specific to the task and location.
- Drafting – Producing a clear, compliant, and practical method statement.
- Review and Amendments – Ensuring the document is fully accurate and fit for purpose.
- Final Delivery – Providing a ready-to-use document for your site team.
Our advisors work with you to ensure that each document reflects the real-world conditions of your project rather than relying on generic templates.
Safety Statements: The Broader Compliance Document
Although this blog focuses on the construction and trades method statement, it’s important to understand that safety statements remain a legal cornerstone for construction and trades. SafeHands safety statements are:
- Fully customised to your operations.
- Based on thorough site-specific risk assessments.
- Structured for clarity so responsibilities are easy to understand.
- Aligned with current legislation.
Updating your safety statement regularly ensures it remains relevant as projects evolve, staffing changes, or new hazards arise.
Benefits of Having Both Documents in Place
Combining a construction method statement with a robust safety statement provides a complete safety framework. Together they:
- Ensure compliance with current legislation.
- Reduce risk of incidents and legal claims.
- Demonstrate commitment to safety during client audits or pre-qualification processes.
- Improve safety culture across your workforce.
This dual approach also strengthens your reputation as a safety-focused contractor, which can be an advantage when tendering for new work.
Why Choose SafeHands?
SafeHands is trusted by construction companies, contractors, and tradespeople across Ireland for high-quality safety documentation. Our team offers:
- Extensive knowledge of Irish health and safety legislation.
- Hands-on experience of construction site operations.
- Clear, easy-to-read documents that work on real sites.
- Site-specific content that reflects actual working conditions.
We believe safety documentation should do more than satisfy current legislation – it should actively make your site safer.
Payment and Delivery Information
- Options include Stripe, bank transfer (with details provided on invoice), or payment by phone.
All training and consultations are delivered at a venue provided by the client or on-site at your premises. We do not have our own training facilities. Instructor qualifications are available on request.
Taking Action
If your business needs a construction method statement or safety statement, SafeHands can deliver tailored, practical, and compliant documents that protect your workforce and help you meet your responsibilities under current legislation.
To get started, simply complete the enquiry form on our website, call us, or send an email. We will assess your needs and provide the right documentation to keep your projects safe and compliant from start to finish.
Contact SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions
Website: www.safehands.ie
Email: info@safehands.ie
Phone: +353 1 7979836 | +353 87 3823223