Excavation Method Statement

Excavation work is one of the highest-risk activities on any construction site. Collapses, contact with underground services, falls into excavations, and plant-pedestrian interface all create serious hazards. A properly written excavation method statement is essential — not just for compliance, but for keeping people alive.

This guide walks through what an excavation method statement should include, with practical UK-focused guidance you can apply immediately.

Key steps in an excavation method statement

1. Pre-start planning — review drawings, utility records, ground investigation reports. Commission a CAT and Genny survey. Apply for utility plans from asset owners.
2. Service identification — mark up all known underground services using paint or markers. Hand-dig trial holes within 500mm of any known service. Never use mechanical excavation within the hand-dig zone.
3. Establish exclusion zones — barriers, signage, and stop blocks to prevent pedestrians and unauthorised plant from approaching the excavation edge.
4. Excavation sequence — describe the dig sequence, depths, and method (machine or hand). Specify bucket type, operator competence (CPCS/NPORS card), and banksman requirements.
5. Trench support — for trenches exceeding 1.2m depth, describe the support method: trench sheets, hydraulic shoring, battering to safe angles, or stepping. Reference the soil type and conditions.
6. Spoil management — stockpile spoil at least 1m from the excavation edge. Describe how spoil will be stored, tested (if contamination is possible), and disposed of.
7. Access and egress — ladders or ramps at regular intervals for trenches. No jumping in or climbing out on shoring.
8. Inspection regime — competent person inspection before each shift, after significant weather, after any event likely to affect stability. Record inspections.
9. Backfill and reinstatement — describe backfill material, compaction method, layer depths, and reinstatement standard.

Safety requirements

• All operatives must hold appropriate CSCS cards
• Excavator operators must hold current CPCS or NPORS certification
• Banksmen required for all machine excavation near people or structures
• Daily inspection records maintained on site
• Emergency rescue plan for trench collapse scenarios
• PPE: hard hat, hi-vis, safety boots, gloves. Eye protection during breaking-out.

For the full legal framework around risk assessments for excavation work, see our guide on UK risk assessment legal requirements. Understanding what must be included in a method statement ensures your excavation document meets reviewer expectations.

A RAMS generator with excavation presets can structure this process efficiently, pre-populating relevant hazards like service strikes, trench collapse, and plant-pedestrian interface.

For related excavation risk assessment guidance, see our excavation risk assessment page. And for the broader picture of how method statements fit within site documentation, our construction safety documents guide covers every document type.

Create your RAMS instantly with Riskora →