Read the user guide.
Before you hop on a treadmill, read the instruction manual or have someone at the gym show you how to properly operate the machine. Make sure you know how to increase or decrease the speed and incline and how to stop it when necessary.

Take advantage of safety features.
Treadmills are automatically equipped with a number of safety features. These can include automatic stop buttons, which will stop the treadmill immediately when you press it. Most treadmills also have a clip you can attach to your clothing that is connected to a magnetic safety feature. When the magnet comes off (usually if you get too far back on the treadmill's belt), the belt will stop automatically. Use these safety features.

Start off slow.
Don't immediately put the treadmill to 10 mph and then hop right on. Start off slow to get your balance and bearings, and then gradually work up to a higher speed if you would like. You should also straddle the belt, placing one foot on either side of the belt as you turn on the treadmill and program your settings. Then step on the belt when it starts slowly.

Always wear proper shoes.
Never get on a treadmill with bare feet or with sandals, flip-flops, or any type of shoe other than an athletic shoe. When your feet aren't properly covered or you are wearing ill-fitting shoes, you are more likely to injure yourself by tripping or losing your footing on the treadmill.

Never allow anyone else on the treadmill with you.
Treadmills are only designed to be used one person at a time. There is not room for more than one person, and treadmills are not toys. Make sure no one jumps on the treadmill at the same time as you, even as a joke. One or both of you are sure to be injured if this happens.

Keep your eyes forward.
If you look all over the place while you're running on a treadmill, you are more likely to lose your balance as the feet tend to follow the eyes. Instead, keep your eyes forward, glancing down occasionally at your feet to make sure you are on track and far enough up on the belt.

Use a manageable speed.
One of the biggest causes of treadmill accidents is doing too much, either putting it at a speed that is much too fast or putting the incline too high. If you feel like you're getting too fatigued, or if the speed is too fast for you, hit the Stop button to stop the belt, then restart the treadmill slowly again. It's also best to gradually increase speeds instead of setting it at a high setting right away; don't automatically assume you can maintain a very high incline or a high speed for long.

The treadmill is a great way to get a workout, and it's also a great way to get an injury if you're not careful. These safety guidelines will help you to operate your treadmill safely.