Construction Method Statement Template 2026
Create OHSA-compliant construction method statements for South African tenders. Covers Excavation and earthworks, Foundation construction, Structural steelwork, and more.
2-Minute Generation
AI generates your complete construction method statement in under 2 minutes.
OHSA Compliant
Meets Construction Regulations 2014 and OHSA Construction Regulations 2014 requirements.
Export Ready
Download as PDF or Word. Ready for tender submission.
What's Included in a Construction Method Statement
Standard Sections
- Project Overview
- Construction Sequence
- Plant and Equipment
- Material Management
- Quality Control Procedures
- Safety Measures
- Environmental Controls
- Programme and Milestones
Common Activities Covered
- Excavation and earthworks
- Foundation construction
- Structural steelwork
- Brickwork and blockwork
- Concrete works
- Roofing installation
- Plastering and finishing
- Floor screeding and tiling
Construction Hazards & Safety Requirements
Common Hazards
- •Falls from height
- •Struck by falling objects
- •Caught in/between equipment
- •Collapse of structures
- •Vehicle/pedestrian accidents
- •Exposure to dust and silica
- •Noise-induced hearing loss
- •Heat stress
Required PPE
- •Hard hat
- •Safety boots (steel toe)
- •High-visibility vest
- •Safety glasses
- •Dust mask/respirator
- •Hearing protection
- •Safety harness (for heights)
- •Gloves
Applicable Regulations & Standards
CIDB Classes applicable: GB, CE, SB
Construction Method Statements in South Africa
General building and civil engineering construction in South Africa is comprehensively regulated by the OHSA Construction Regulations 2014, which apply to all construction work as defined in the Act. Contractors must appoint a Construction Manager (Reg 8), Construction Health and Safety Officer for projects with >50 workers or >30 days duration, and prepare a Health and Safety Plan responding to the client's H&S specification. CIDB registration is mandatory: class CE for civil engineering, GB for general building. The Construction Regulations require a baseline risk assessment before mobilisation, and the Principal Contractor must ensure every subcontractor's safety file is approved before they start work. Government infrastructure tenders (PFMA/MFMA entities) routinely require a project-specific method statement detailing every critical activity, sequence of work, plant to be used, and emergency procedures.
Method Statement Writing Tips for Construction
Tip 1: Structure your method statement around the actual construction sequence — foundations → structure → roof → finishes — assessors want to see logical phasing
Tip 2: For concrete work, specify mix design, slump requirements, curing method and duration (7 days minimum), and cube testing frequency
Tip 3: Include temporary works methodology: formwork design references, propping sequences, and striking times per SANS 2001-CC1
Tip 4: Detail your materials testing regime — aggregate tests, concrete cube testing at 7 and 28 days, and soil compaction testing (Mod AASHTO)
Tip 5: Reference the contract specifications (e.g., SANS 2001 series for civil works, SANS 10400 for building works) and show how your method satisfies each clause
Common Mistakes in Construction Method Statements
Submitting a safety file that doesn't respond to the client's specific H&S specification — Construction Regulation 7(1)(a) requires a project-specific plan
Not appointing a Construction H&S Officer when the project meets the threshold (>50 workers or >30 calendar days)
Using a generic method statement that doesn't reference the actual contract specifications (SANS 2001 series) applicable to the project
Failing to include temporary works designs signed by a Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech — Reg 12 requires this for any temporary structure
Omitting the fall protection plan for work above 2m — this is a standalone document required by Reg 10
Key Legislation for Construction Method Statements
| Regulation / Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OHSA Construction Regulations 2014 | Primary legislation for all construction work: defines duties of Client, Principal Contractor, and contractors. Requires H&S plans, risk assessments, fall protection plans, and competent person appointments. |
| SANS 2001-CC1:2007 | Concrete works for civil engineering — covers mix design, placing, curing, and testing requirements. Referenced in most government infrastructure tenders. |
| SANS 10400 | National Building Regulations — Parts A to W cover structural safety, fire protection, glazing, drainage, energy use. Building plans must comply before construction starts. |
| CIDB Standard for Uniformity | Establishes grading designations (GB for general building, CE for civil engineering), contractor grading requirements, and maximum contract values per grade. |
Construction Method Statement FAQ
What is the difference between CIDB classes CE and GB?
When is a Construction H&S Officer required?
What must a Construction Health and Safety Plan contain?
Are method statements legally required for construction?
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