What is the purpose of a work method statement?
John Hall
Updated on February 28, 2026
Purpose of a safe work method statement (SWMS) The primary purpose of a SWMS is to help supervisors, workers and any other persons at the workplace to understand the requirements that have been established to carry out the high risk construction work in a safe and healthy manner.
Why do you need to identify and implement health and safety procedures and work instructions?
The purpose of a safe work procedure is to reduce the risk to health and safety in the workplace and reduce the likelihood of an injury by ensuring that employees know how to work safely when carrying out the tasks involved in their jobs. Safe work procedures may also be called safe work method statements (SWMS).
What is the purpose of workplace safety procedures and instructions?
Safety procedures are an important internal control. Small businesses use safety procedures to ensure owners and employees do not injure themselves or customers during business operations. Certain business industries may be subject to more safety procedures than others.
Why are method statements important?
Method statements are hugely important when it comes to the health and safety of projects, particularly in the construction industry. The purpose of method statements is to describe the safety precautions to put in place to control risks identified in the risk assessment.
Is a method statement required by law?
While not required by law, method statements are also prepared for many other construction activities and are proven to be an effective and practical way to help plan, manage and monitor construction work.
Who should be given a permit to work?
A permit to work system is a formal documented system, used to control high-risk activities. They are usually issued by a manager or supervisor and allow a person or group of people to carry out a task, under strict controls.
What is included in a method statement?
A method statement will usually contain a lot of information about a task or activity such as: The project. References to other documents such as risk assessments that apply to the task. The planned work procedure, the sequence of work and control measures.
What’s the difference between work methods and work practices?
Work methods are the physical actions employed to perform a task. Evaluating and modifying work methods to prevent discomfort and injury is one of several components of an effective ergonomics program. Work methods are also called work practices. FREE DOWNLOAD!
How are processes, procedures and work instructions related?
A work instruction explains how to carry out the procedure. Consider a process as a high level, strategic method of control, in effect a summary of objectives, specifications and broad resources needed. The procedure adds more specifics such as responsibilities, specific tools, methods and measurement.
What’s the difference between a process and a procedure?
This begins with a basic understanding of the hierarchy of these terms and how to efficiently categorize the workings of a management system within them. Simply put: A process states what needs to be done and why. A procedure states how the process needs to be done. A work instruction explains how to carry out the procedure.
Why is it important to follow rules and procedures at work?
By the rules, the varied nature of the employees is also known. This is because, through the set rules, the patience of the employees gets tested. The companies use their rules and procedures to test the real nature of the employees.