The few minutes spent checking a machine before it starts work are the cheapest insurance on the entire project. Most equipment-related incidents on site trace back to something that could have been caught — and fixed, or flagged — before the machine ever moved.
Inspect for visible damage before work begins
Walk around the machine before it starts and check for cracks, leaks, worn hoses, damaged glass, or anything that looks out of place, and photograph what you see. This protects both sides: it confirms the machine is fit to work, and it creates a clear record of its condition at handover, which matters if there's ever a dispute about damage later.
Confirm the operator is certified for that machine
Different machines — a mobile crane versus a road roller versus an excavator — require different skills, and an operator competent on one isn't automatically competent on another. Before work starts, confirm the operator has the relevant certification and hands-on experience for the specific machine being used, not just heavy equipment in general.
Check that ground conditions match the machine's specifications
A machine's stability and safe operation depend on the ground it's working on. Soft, wet, or uneven ground can be unsafe for a machine rated for firmer conditions, and this is especially critical for cranes, where ground bearing capacity directly affects lift safety. Confirm the site's actual ground conditions against the machine's requirements before any load-bearing or digging work begins — don't assume the machine ordered will automatically suit the ground on the day.
Confirm the breakdown and emergency contact process
Before work starts, make sure everyone on site knows who to contact if the machine breaks down or an incident occurs, and how quickly support will respond. Knowing this in advance — rather than scrambling to find a number during an actual breakdown — is what keeps a mechanical issue from turning into a bigger safety problem or a longer delay.
Verify insurance coverage is active
Every machine on site should be covered by active insurance for the rental period, and this should be confirmed before work starts, not assumed. RIGR covers this as standard — every rental is insured, GPS/IoT-tracked, and backed by breakdown support, all detailed on our Trust & Safety page, so you can verify coverage before the machine arrives rather than after something goes wrong.
Make the checklist routine, not occasional
The value of a safety checklist comes from doing it every time, not just on large or unfamiliar jobs. A five-minute check at the start of each rental — condition, operator, ground, contacts, insurance — is a small habit that consistently prevents the larger problems that come from skipping it.