Purpose
A construction site diary is a daily record of everything that happens on site. It captures weather conditions, workforce numbers, plant on site, deliveries, progress, visitors, instructions received, and any incidents or delays. Site diaries are critical evidence in the event of disputes, claims, or investigations and are considered a legal document.
When to Use This Template
- Every working day on site without exception
- To record weather conditions that affect work progress
- To log all visitors, instructions, and verbal agreements
- As evidence for extension of time claims or disputes
- To track daily labour and plant allocation
- For CDM compliance and HSE record-keeping
The Template
DAILY SITE DIARY
| Project Name: | [Enter project name] |
| Site Address: | [Enter site address] |
| Date: | [DD/MM/YYYY] |
| Day: | [Monday / Tuesday / etc.] |
| Recorded By: | [Name, role] |
| Report No: | [Sequential number] |
1. Weather Conditions
| Time | Conditions | Temp (C) | Wind | Impact on Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | [Clear / Overcast / Rain / Snow] | [°C] | [Calm / Light / Strong] | [None / Delayed start / Stopped work] |
| 12:00 | [Conditions] | [°C] | [Wind] | [Impact] |
| 17:00 | [Conditions] | [°C] | [Wind] | [Impact] |
2. Labour on Site
| Company | Trade | No. of Operatives | Hours Worked | Area of Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Main contractor] | [General] | [No.] | [07:30-16:30] | [Location] |
| [Subcontractor name] | [Electrical] | [No.] | [Hours] | [Location] |
| [Subcontractor name] | [Mechanical] | [No.] | [Hours] | [Location] |
3. Plant and Equipment on Site
| Item | Operator | Hours Used | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Excavator / Crane / etc.] | [Name] | [Hours] | [Working / Standby / Breakdown] |
4. Deliveries
| Time | Supplier | Materials | Quantity | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Time] | [Supplier] | [Description] | [Qty] | [Good / Damaged / Rejected] |
5. Work Carried Out Today
[Provide a detailed description of all work completed today. Include locations, quantities where possible, and reference to programme activities. E.g. "Completed foundation pour to grid lines A-D, 45m3 concrete placed and vibrated. Curing compound applied. Formwork stripped to section 2 retaining wall."]
6. Visitors to Site
| Time | Name | Company | Purpose of Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Time] | [Name] | [Company] | [Inspection / Meeting / Delivery / HSE visit] |
7. Instructions Received
[Record any verbal or written instructions received today. Include who gave the instruction, what it was, and any programme or cost implications. E.g. "Architect instructed change to window specification in Block B — awaiting formal AI."]
8. Delays and Disruptions
[Record any delays with cause, duration, and impact. E.g. "Rain stopped external brickwork from 10:30-14:00 (3.5 hours lost). Bricklayers redeployed to internal blockwork."]
9. Health and Safety
[Record any incidents, near misses, safety observations, toolbox talks given, or HSE inspector visits. Note any corrective actions taken.]
10. Photographs
[List/attach photographs taken today with descriptions and locations. Number them sequentially for the project.]
Signed
| Site Manager: | Date: |
How to Customise This Template
- Complete this form every single working day without fail — consistency is key
- Record weather at the same times each day for consistency
- Be factual and specific — avoid opinions or assumptions
- Photograph anything unusual, all deliveries, and key milestones
- Record all verbal instructions immediately, even before formal confirmation
- Keep a running sequence number and never leave gaps in the record
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