Risk Assessment vs Method Statement: What’s the Difference?

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In the world of workplace health and safety, particularly in construction, manufacturing and other high-risk industries, two key documents consistently arise: risk assessments and method statements. Both are essential for safe and compliant operations, yet they serve very different purposes.

If you’re an employer, contractor, site manager, or supervisor, understanding the distinction between these two documents and knowing when and how to use them is crucial. This guide breaks down the differences between risk assessments and method statements, explores why both are important and outlines how they contribute to legal compliance and safer work environments.

What Is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is a structured process used to identify potential hazards in the workplace, assess the likelihood of those hazards causing harm and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.

The Purpose of a Risk Assessment:

• To ensure the health and safety of employees, contractors and the public.
• To comply with legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
• To prevent accidents, injuries and ill health through proactive planning.

What a Risk Assessment Covers:

• Hazards: Anything that may cause harm (e.g. machinery, heights, chemicals).
• Risks: The likelihood and severity of harm occurring.
• People at risk: Workers, contractors, visitors, or members of the public.
• Existing controls: What is already in place to reduce risk.
• Further actions: Additional steps needed to mitigate residual risk.

Key Features:

• Usually created before work begins.
• Can be general (covering a broad area of work) or specific (task-focused).
• Must be reviewed regularly and updated when changes occur.
• Should be documented, especially when employing five or more people.

What Is a Method Statement?

A method statement is a practical document that outlines how a task or activity will be carried out safely and efficiently. It typically builds upon the findings of a risk assessment and translates them into a clear, step-by-step work plan.

The Purpose of a Method Statement:

• To detail the safe system of work for a particular task.
• To communicate specific procedures, safety controls and responsibilities to workers.
• To ensure everyone understands what is being done, who is doing it and how risks will be controlled.

What a Method Statement Covers:

• Description of the work: What the task involves.
• Sequence of operations: Step-by-step guide to completing the work.
• Hazards and controls: How identified risks will be managed (often summarised from the risk assessment).
• Tools and equipment: What will be used and how it should be handled.
• PPE requirements: Protective gear necessary for the job.
• Emergency procedures: What to do if something goes wrong.

Key Features:

• Typically task-specific.
• Often required by principal contractors or clients on larger projects.
• Essential for high-risk activities (e.g. working at height, hot works, confined spaces).
• Should be clear, concise and tailored to the team performing the work.

Key Differences: Risk Assessment Vs Method Statement

While both documents aim to improve safety and ensure legal compliance, they serve distinct functions. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

Aspect	Risk Assessment	Method Statement
Purpose	Identify and evaluate risks	Explain how the work will be done safely
Focus	What might go wrong and how to prevent it	How to carry out the task step-by-step
When Used	Before starting any new task or project	When detailing specific high-risk activities
Format	Typically a table or checklist	Narrative or procedural format
Audience	Managers, supervisors, safety officers	Operatives, contractors, site teams
Legal Requirement	Yes, required under health and safety law	No, but often contractually necessary
Frequency	Reviewed regularly or when conditions change	Created per task or job and updated as needed

Why Both Documents Matter

Some businesses make the mistake of choosing between a risk assessment and a method statement. In reality, these documents work best together, with each supporting the other.

Think of it this way:

1. The risk assessment identifies the dangers and sets the groundwork for safe operations.
2. The method statement puts that groundwork into action with clear instructions on how to work safely.

When used correctly, they form a complete system for planning, controlling and communicating safety on-site.

Common Scenarios and Examples

Here’s how both documents might be applied in a typical construction scenario:

Scenario: Installing a Steel Beam at Height

Risk Assessment:

• Identifies hazards such as falling from height, dropped objects, equipment failure and manual handling injuries.
• Evaluates who might be harmed and how.
• Suggests control measures like scaffolding, fall arrest systems, mechanical lifting aids and exclusion zones.

Method Statement:

• Outlines how the team will deliver and lift the beam into position.
• Details of who is responsible for each task.
• Specifies the order of operations (e.g. erect scaffolding, inspect equipment, install beam, conduct safety check).
• Lists required PPE and emergency protocols.

Together, these documents ensure not just that risks are known, but that they are actively managed in the workplace.

When is a Method Statement Required?

Unlike risk assessments, method statements are not a legal requirement, but they are widely expected in the construction industry and on high-risk projects. Clients, principal contractors and regulatory bodies often ask for method statements as part of:

• Prequalification or tender processes
• Construction Phase Plans (under CDM Regulations)
• Health and Safety Files
• On-site safety audits

Using method statements demonstrates your company’s commitment to safe systems of work and helps streamline communication between teams.

Legal Context: Know Your Responsibilities

Employers have a legal duty under UK law to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their work. This includes:

• Conducting risk assessments (a legal must).
• Providing suitable training and supervision.
• Ensuring safe systems of work, method statements help demonstrate this.

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), contractors also have responsibilities to plan, manage and monitor work in a way that protects everyone involved.

Where to Get Help

Navigating the compliance landscape can be complex, especially for growing businesses or subcontractors working across multiple projects. This is where working with an expert compliance partner, such as Veriforce CHAS, can make a real difference.

As a leading provider of SSIP certification and supply chain risk management, Veriforce CHAS helps businesses stay on top of their health and safety duties, reduce risk and demonstrate competency to clients and principal contractors.

Whether you need help completing compliant risk assessments, writing effective method statements, or gaining certification to unlock new contracts, Veriforce CHAS can support you at every stage.