Method Statement · Excavations & Trench Work
Method Statement for Excavations & Trench Work
A safe system of work: the numbered, step-by-step sequence for carrying out the task safely, that an operative can actually follow. Below: what a Method Statement for excavation must contain, why they get rejected, and the hazards it has to cover, or generate one for your exact job in a couple of minutes.
What a compliant Method Statement must contain
- A numbered sequence from set-up to clean-down
- The specific plant, equipment and isolation points named at each step
- Measurable checks where a step proves safety (e.g. prove dead, hold zero-pressure 30s)
- Competence requirements and PPE
Why a Method Statement for excavation gets rejected
- Abstract steps ('isolate and verify') with nothing measurable
- A likelihood × severity scoring table bolted on (that belongs in the risk assessment)
- Steps that skip the actual sequence a job really follows
- No named competent person where the law requires one
Already have one? Check it against the standard, free.
Paste your RAMS into the free checker and it scores it the way an inspector would, and flags exactly what would get it rejected. No sign-up.
Check yours freeExcavations & Trench Work hazards it must cover
Excavation, meaning digging trenches and pits by hand or machine for foundations, drainage and services, brings hazards a Method Statement has to address:
- trench collapse and burial
- striking buried services (HSG47)
- falls into excavations
- plant and vehicles working near the edge
- flooding and contaminated ground
Generate your Method Statement in minutes
Built to the correct published standard for excavation: specific controls, the right legal basis, a review date and a sign-off section you can operate.
Start your Method StatementFAQ
Do you need a Method Statement for excavation?
A safe system of work: the numbered, step-by-step sequence for carrying out the task safely, that an operative can actually follow. For excavation, meaning digging trenches and pits by hand or machine for foundations, drainage and services, it is the document a client, principal contractor or inspector expects to see, grounded in the recognised safe-system-of-work format (HSE guidance).
What makes a Method Statement for excavation fail?
The usual reasons: Abstract steps ('isolate and verify') with nothing measurable; A likelihood × severity scoring table bolted on (that belongs in the risk assessment); Steps that skip the actual sequence a job really follows. RAMSReady generates one to the correct published form and avoids these.
How fast can I get a Method Statement?
A couple of minutes. Describe the job, and RAMSReady writes a Method Statement for your exact excavation live against the correct standard, with a review date and a sign-off/records section.