Posted By Mir-cat
My understanding is a procedure is to define how to comply with legislation/regulations/statutory requirements etc (usually many procedures equal the Safety Management System).
A method statement is a document which explains your safe system of work for the job you are doing. Information should include: what you do, how you will do it, what controls are in place to mitigate any residual risks, what equipment you will use and why, how you will consider areas such as waste, air quality, noise, pests and weeds, special hazards eg confined spaces, asbestos etc., and should be related to the risk assessment.
For example a procedure about work equipment would state how the company will ensure meets PUWER regulations but a method statement can be as simple as using a drill - what sort and how.
Therefore - procedure = high level, method statement = work face. However, staff should be informed and aware of the procedures too.