Prepare crews and equipment before the season, and log each storm: start, areas cleared, salt used and finish.
Snow work is fast and unpredictable. Good preparation and a simple service log protect both crews and the business when a client or insurer asks what was done and when.
Long storm shifts are tiring; plan breaks and rotation, and follow wage and hour rules for long hours.
16 items. Keep it on a tablet, or print a copy for the clipboard.
A landscaping company services 18 commercial lots in a storm. Logs show arrival and departure times and salt used for each lot, which match the invoices sent the next day.
Property owners and contractors can be held responsible when someone slips on an untreated lot or walkway. A detailed log with times, material and photos supports both billing and the defense of a claim by showing what was done and when.
| Site | Lot 6, Maple Ridge Medical Plaza, Buffalo |
|---|---|
| Contract trigger | Plow at 2 in; salt any ice |
| Arrival and departure | 4:10 am to 4:55 am |
| Areas serviced | Main lot plowed; ADA spaces and walks shoveled |
| Material used | 600 lb salt; 2 bags ice melt on steps |
| Conditions | 3.5 in snow, 22°F, still falling |
| Photos | 4, time-stamped, entrance and ramps |
The log notes snow still falling at departure, which explains why a second visit later the same morning is needed and billed.
It shows when and what was done, for clients and claims.
The trigger in each contract, such as a set snow depth.
Per wage and hour rules, including overtime.
Yes, with time stamps.
A trigger is the accumulation, often measured in inches, that starts plowing or salting under the contract. For example, plowing may begin at 2 inches while salting is triggered by any ice. Write each site’s trigger in the pre-season section so crews know when a visit is billable.
The service log should show arrival and departure times, areas treated, material used and conditions, with photos tied to the time. Records made during the storm are far more credible than notes written later. Keep logs for as long as claims can be filed in your state, which can be several years.
More for the same job
Use the snow removal checklist for the record you need today. To see who clocked in, and when, book a demo of EZTime.