Is Your Method Statement Good Enough? 7 Signs It Needs a Professional Review

In the UK’s health and safety landscape, Method Statements are more than just paperwork, they’re your frontline defence against operational risks, accidents, and legal liabilities. Yet, many businesses unknowingly rely on outdated, vague, or incomplete documents that offer little real-world protection.

So, is your method statement really up to standard? Let’s explore seven warning signs that indicate the need for a professional review and how Fast R Solutions can help.

7 Signs Your Method Statement Needs a Professional Review

1. It's Generic, Not Project-Specific

If your method statement looks like it could apply to any job, anywhere, it’s likely not protecting anyone. Generic templates can create dangerous oversights.

A strong method statement must be tailored to each task, location, and risk scenario.

2. It Lacks Detail in Task Descriptions

Health and safety regulators look for step-by-step clarity. Vague instructions or incomplete sequences create confusion and increase the chance of mistakes.

Professionally written documents clearly outline procedures from start to finish.

3. Risks and Controls Don’t Match Up

An effective method statement pairs identified hazards with appropriate control measures. If these don’t align, or if key hazards are missing altogether, your documentation is flawed.

FASTR’s risk assessors ensure full alignment of hazards, risks, and mitigation.

4. There's No Mention of PPE or Emergency Procedures

Omitting personal protective equipment (PPE) or emergency responses can be a costly mistake. It signals to the HSE that safety hasn’t been fully considered.

Our experts ensure all PPE and emergency protocols are clearly specified and compliant.

5. It’s Not Approved by a Competent Person

If your method statement hasn’t been reviewed or signed off by someone with relevant qualifications or experience, it may not hold up under inspection or in court.

Fast R Solutions ensures your documents are reviewed by NEBOSH-qualified professionals.

6. It Doesn’t Reflect Recent Site Changes

Sites evolve quickly. If your RAMS hasn’t been updated to reflect recent changes in layout, team, or tools, it’s out of date, and possibly dangerous.

We keep your RAMS documents live and reflective of current conditions.

7. You Haven’t Had an Incident... Yet

Sometimes the absence of accidents leads to complacency. But just because something hasn’t gone wrong doesn’t mean it won’t. Poor documentation can unravel quickly during an investigation.

Proactive reviews by Fast R can uncover hidden vulnerabilities before it’s too late.

Your Team Deserves Better Than a Generic Method Statement Template

Don’t gamble with safety, compliance, or reputation. In today’s regulatory climate, a robust, customised method statement isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a moral one.

Let Fast R Solutions Take the Risk Off Your Shoulders

At Fast R Solutions UK, we specialise in producing fully compliant, site-specific RAMS tailored to your business. With NEBOSH-qualified experts and a proven track record across industries, we make your health and safety processes seamless, professional, and audit-ready.

Contact Us Today

If you’re unsure about the quality of your current method statements or need help preparing compliant documentation, don’t wait for a visit from the HSE.

Contact us today call us directly to book a consultation.