Risk Assessment & Method Statement
Trade: Groundworkers · Generated 17/07/2026
1. Scope of works
Excavation, drainage, foundations and hard landscaping on UK construction sites.
2. Method statement
- Site induction and RAMS briefing signed by all operatives before work starts.
- Set up welfare, first-aid kit and fire point. Confirm nearest A&E.
- groundworkers team collects materials from designated laydown area — no interference with other trades' zones.
- Isolate, lock off and prove dead any services (electric, gas, water) in the work zone.
- Carry out task in accordance with method statement and manufacturer instructions.
- Housekeeping at end of each shift — waste segregated, walkways clear, tools tethered or stored.
- End-of-day sign-off with photo evidence uploaded to project record.
3. Hazards, persons at risk & control measures
| Hazard | Who is at risk | Control measures |
|---|---|---|
| Underground services strike | Excavator operator, groundworkers | CAT & Genny scan before every dig. Permit to dig. HSG47 hand-dig within 500mm of services. |
| Excavation collapse | Groundworkers | Trench boxes / battering >1.2m. Daily inspection register. Ladder access every 25m. |
| Plant vs pedestrian | All site users | Segregated routes. 360 machines with cameras + banksman. No lone workers behind plant. |
| Concrete & cement burns | Groundworkers | Long sleeves, gloves, wellies. Wash stations on site. Skin surveillance. |
4. PPE required
- Safety helmet (EN 397)
- Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345, S3 minimum)
- Hi-vis vest (EN ISO 20471, class 2)
- Impact gloves (EN 388)
- Safety glasses (EN 166)
- Waterproofs & wellies (S5)
5. Legislation & guidance
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- PUWER 1998
- HSG47 — Avoiding danger from underground services
6. Approval
Prepared by (competent person)
Name / signature / date
Approved by (principal contractor)
Name / signature / date