Safely operating a piece of heavy equipment starts even before you get in the cab, as United Rentals branch manager Ramon Jaime notes in this video. Give the machine a systematic and thorough once-over to check for maintenance problems or damaged parts that may make the equipment unsafe or inefficient to operate.

But don’t stop there. Once you’ve walked around the equipment, perform a pre-work walkaround so you’re aware of the people, objects and conditions (including potential hazards) in the work area and can develop a plan for how to proceed safely.

Achieving what United Rentals calls 360° Awareness of both the equipment and your surroundings takes only minutes but could prevent injuries or even save a life, including your own.