The death of Dave Goldberg, the chief executive of SurveyMonkey, in a treadmill accident last May at a resort gym in Mexico spotlighted the potential dangers of hotel fitness facilities.

Although the likelihood of dying, being badly injured, or contracting a serious disease as a result of a visit to a hotel gym is rare, experts say there are steps you can take to be safe, The New York Times reports.

Among the recommendations:

• Take time to become familiar with how gym equipment, which may be unfamiliar, works. Take note, for instance, of an emergency shut-off button on a treadmill.

• Examine fitness machines for any rust, frayed cables, damaged pulleys or other signs of potential hazard.

• Take steps to limit your exposure to staph infections, fungus, and other microbes that are common in gyms and locker rooms. Use a towel and wash your hands frequently.

• Clean the machines with disinfectant wipes or a towel.

• Wear long-sleeve sweatshirt, sweatpants, and foot covers; and wear a pair of flip-flops in the locker room or shower to avoid contact with the floor