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Don’t know if I am on the right forum; completely confused with this new system but here goes - Does anyone have a simple “one liner” to describe the difference between a SSofW and a method statement. I have been asked this question many times over the years but I always seem to give a complicated answer.
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quaifeward wrote:Don’t know if I am on the right forum; completely confused with this new system but here goes - Does anyone have a simple “one liner” to describe the difference between a SSofW and a method statement. I have been asked this question many times over the years but I always seem to give a complicated answer.
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A Safe System of Work is a standard operating procedure not specific to a project. A method statement is the work that is to be done on a specific project.
For example you may be contracted to paint a wall. You would carry out a risk assessment at the site and that assessment may require you to work at heights. The risk assessment, as a control measure, may state that the tower will be erected by competent persons in accordance with the company Safe System of Work.
Therefore the Method Statement will reference the Risk Assessment (which should be made site specific and included in the Method Statement) and also just reference the Safe System of Work which may be in, for example, an employee's handbook - but should be accessible by main contractor or CDM coordinator as appropriate for vetting.
Hope this helps
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Thanks for that Mike. I am conversant with the difference I was just looking for a quick one line answer; a bit like “Hazard and Risk” potential and likelihood. I have never thought of a short answer when asked the difference between SSofW and method statements.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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IMHO...(light blue touch paper and stand well back)...
They all mean the same thing.......
Over the years different guru's have invented different terminology. Some come from particular industries, some more generic use of English language and some are now legally defined.
There may be language preference in some places to call it this or that, but in essence thay are all the same. To split hairs is to apply a personal interpretation on the generality of a few words.
Some may include the process of RA and risk control (and were in existance long before the MHSWR) others may just focus on risk control. Some may include actual process stages some may use peripheral constraints to prevent things going wrong.
We have adopted this legacy which does not always make things easy, perhaps understanding that safety is a combination of the the arts and science's might allow us to use concepts rather than rely on prescriptive formula.
Not and answer, but it might open a debate!
Socratic Steve
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Steve,
What gives you the right to impose a lifestyle choice on touch paper. It should have the right to chose what ever colour it wants to be! ;-)
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It is a 'Standard' reply....
Sparkler Steve
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Quick reply - you're joking ha ha!
Not sure if this can be answered by a one liner but here goes ..................
SSOW include the use of detailed operating and emergency instructions, permit to work systems and installation, use and maintenance of protective equipment.
Method statements cover high risk operations and should be required in advance for each operation, from those doing the work.
The difference being, I suppose is SSOW are drawn up as policy whereas method statements are written as and when the need arises.
Good question.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sorry, not to make light of the subject without saying something useful. There are so many different ideas that defining them will usually only ever serve any purpose internally. For us a SSoW is a a task specific set of step-by-step instructions listing each step (with diagrams where appropriate) and highlighting key safety points
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I have to say that I think the 'definition' of a SSOW in the Principles book is a bit muddled, so a couple of quick one liners then!
A safe system of work is an instruction from managers to workers on how work should be carried out safely.
A method satatement provides the SEQUENCE that a task should be carried out to ensure safety.
As one liners go I hope that helps.
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Rank: New forum user
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how about: Use common sense/Write it.
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I have been in this profession for over 20 years and it never ceases to amaze me how different our professional opinions are on what should be a simple subject. I tend to see a risk assessment as something we do to see what we have in place as aligned to what should be in place etc – a SSof W is a document that lays out what we need to have in place and a method statement is how the task needs to be carried out. Looking at the responses to my question I would imagine that many of you have the same problem when trying to explain to the laymen what the difference is between the two. I thought someone would have a simple one line answer, how wrong can you be.
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If any professional replied to the question as “use common sense” they should be looking for another profession.
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Chris I like your interpretation "SSOW are drawn up as policy whereas method statements are written as and when the need arises". May use that in future; thanks
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Is the Highway code a SSoW and the Drivers Manual/Road Atlas the method statement?
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Rank: New forum user
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Is a safe system of work a process or is it a document?
IMHO (and one from a different jurisdiction mind you).......a safe system of work is the method or process used when doing a task 'safely' whereas a method statement is one of many documents that can be used to demonstrate the safe system of work......
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Rank: New forum user
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I think SSOW = policy, whereas method statements = task specific instructions. For example a recipe for making a cake is a method statement, whereas the SSOW would state that an appropriate recipe must be followed.
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SSoW's are surely compliance with the law it's mentioned in the HASWA 74 sec 2, although legal compliance must be the minimum goal
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Quaifeward, if that really is your name, thanks for the kind remark, you have made my weekend. Further, if you reduce the font size it will be a one liner ha ha.
(trust a woman to take your thread into the kitchen). Not being sexist as I do like cooking myself 1
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SSW - Driving the Car
Method Statement - Changing the wheel
The aim of the safe system of work is to provide and maintain a safe procedure that will eliminate or reduce the risks associated with the identified hazards (e.g. everyone learns to drive to reduce the likelihood of accidents).
The aim of the method statement is to combine the method of work with the safety controls in a particular instance/order (e.g. loosen the wheel nuts, but not before you apply the brakes - remove the wheel nuts, but not before you jack up the car etc).
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Summary of my last the:
SSW: Driving a car - MS: changing a wheel.
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Changing a wheel could require a safe system on its own, i.e. need to consider location, -could be the hard shoulder of mororway, time of day, weather etc.
The actual taking off of the wheel would be the method statement?
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Why does anbody need to know the difference, they should expect to work to control measures imposed on them for task, be this a safe system of work, a task specific method statement , permit to work etc
Mabbe Im wrong but that is the way i see it,
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People do need to know and that's why they ask questions. I suspect this question was asked of the safety person because we are seen to be the ones that know the H&S answers.
Does anyone know everything?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Wow - best Catherine Wheel I have ever seen...
I refer to my comment above - its interpretation of words. Most of the replies start off with 'I think...' or 'we...'
Lets concentrate on what we are trying to achieve- not what we call it!
For those doing exams use the text you are supplied with to answer the Q's but understand the confusion and dont be afraid to say so!
For those on a higher plane looking for Msc subject try 'Exegesis and linguistical models for safety communication in the 21st century'. It may not mean much but its a good title!
Skyrocket Steve
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I agree with some but not all of what's been said above.
In most organisations I've ever worked for the MS is the description of how a task is actually performed. The SSoW describes the entire process and includes the MS, the risk assessment, a COSHH assessment, a MH assessment, etc, etc. For high risk operations the SSoW might also include a PTW.
Hope this helps.
Kevin
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ChrisBurns wrote:People do need to know and that's why they ask questions. I suspect this question was asked of the safety person because we are seen to be the ones that know the H&S answers.
Does anyone know everything? Chris . the point i was trying to make was if someone draws up a system of work, or writes a method statement, carries out risk assessments etc, they are usually putting a plan into place for the safe undertaking of an activity, why then is it important what that plan is called as long as the control meaaures are in place and the work is carried out safely? Dec
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A method statement will describe the way in which the job will be done - safety is an element but will also look at plant and equipment to be used and may then cross reference SSoW.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
HSWA Section 2(2) requires that employers ‘provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health’
Definition of SSoW: A formal procedure which results from systematic examination of a task in order to identify all the hazards.
It defines safe methods to ensure that hazards are eliminated or risks minimised
Sorry not a one liner.
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Dec001 wrote:ChrisBurns wrote:People do need to know and that's why they ask questions. I suspect this question was asked of the safety person because we are seen to be the ones that know the H&S answers.
Does anyone know everything? Chris . the point i was trying to make was if someone draws up a system of work, or writes a method statement, carries out risk assessments etc, they are usually putting a plan into place for the safe undertaking of an activity, why then is it important what that plan is called as long as the control meaaures are in place and the work is carried out safely? Dec Dec I do understand your point but everything needs a name otherwise it's guidelanes cannot be followed and it cannot be referred to - how would it be if we all did exactly the same work task and all had the same name? SSoW and MS are part of safety systems and are two different items.
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SarahV wrote:I think SSOW = policy, whereas method statements = task specific instructions. For example a recipe for making a cake is a method statement, whereas the SSOW would state that an appropriate recipe must be followed. I like this definition and I think it's the closest to a one liner you'll get. If baking is not your thing then how about "SSOW = strategy, wheras Method Statement = tactics"?
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Here’s my attempt: -
“A method statement describes how a unique job is to be completed from beginning to end and references safe systems of work that provide information on how to complete specific elements of the job safely”.
Neil.
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Or is it the other way round?...
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If you have a look at the IOSH 'Bible'; the 'Principles' book, it says something along the lines of that a key feature of a MS is that it sets out a sequence for work to be done
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A method statement can be described as one integral part of a SSOW.
The SSOW will encompass an established process including methodology, consistent documentation, training, accountabilities and roles, and necessary equipment (e.g. risk assessment, permit-to-work).
The method statement is usually a written, structured method of completing a specific task. They are normally implemented when a task is complex or must be completed in sequence, to reduce risk. Also used in operations which neccessitate 'hold points', to control status or conditions of working environment.
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I Personally think Mike Sweeney summed it up in a nutshell in posting#3. With one or two pedantic postings later.
Makes great reading though on a cold wet November night.
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