It’s been hot outside! As if this is something you didn’t already know! But, whether you are an employee working in hot environments or a family enjoying the great outdoors, do you know the different types of heat stress and the various ways to protect your workers and family?  Learn about the different Types of Heat Stress and then take a Heat Stress Quiz to test your knowledge about heat and humidity! You might be surprised at what you find out!

Types of Heat Stress

Your body builds up heat when you work and sweats to get rid of extra heat. Sometimes your body may not cool off fast enough. Too much heat can make you tired, hurt your job performance, and increase your chance of injury. A person with symptoms including headache, nausea, and fatigue after exposure to heat probably has some measure of a heat-related illness.

Excessive exposure to a hot work environment can bring about a variety of heat induced disorders, including the following:

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious health problem for people working in the heat. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the victim’s body temperature rises to deadly levels. Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. A heat stroke victim may first suffer heat cramps and/or heat exhaustion before progressing into a heat stroke, but this is not always the case.

The skin is usually dry, red, or spotted. Other symptoms may include rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, nausea, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps, and dizziness. The body temperature rises to 103 degrees F or higher. More advanced symptoms include seizure or convulsions, collapse, and loss of consciousness.

Always notify emergency services (911) immediately when you suspect that a person is suffering from a heat stroke. It is vital to lower the body temperature. Move the victim to a cool area, soak their clothing with cool or tepid water, and fan the victim vigorously to increase cooling. Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke are the only means of preventing permanent brain damage or death.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. A worker suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats, but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, nausea, or headache.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, feeling weak or tired, giddiness, extreme thirst, loss of appetite, impaired judgment, tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, weak and rapid pulse, and low-to-normal blood pressure. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or only slightly elevated.

Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location, such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them drink water or electrolyte drinks. Try to cool the person by loosening clothing, fanning the victim, and applying cool, wet cloths. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day, and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids. Those with mild cases of heat exhaustion usually recover quickly with this treatment.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or stomach. The sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes cramps. Tired muscles, those used for performing the work, are usually the most likely to have cramps.

To prevent heat cramps, drink electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade during the day and try eating more fruits. Victims should stop all activity when they feel a cramp, and sit quietly in a cool place. They should not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramping ends. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Fainting (Heat Syncope)

Fainting usually happens to someone who is not used to working in a hot environment and simply stands around. Moving around, rather than standing still, will usually reduce the likelihood of fainting.

A victim of fainting should lie down in a cool area. They should seek medical attention if they are have recovered after a brief period of lying down.

Heat Rash

Heat rash, also called prickly heat, is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot, humid environments where sweat cannot evaporate easily. The skin remains wet for long periods of times. Heat rash looks like a red or pink cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

To prevent a heat rash, keep skin clean and dry, wear loose clothing, and rest in a cool place part of each day. Some over-the-counter lotions may help ease the pain and itching.

Heat Stress Safety – Quiz

1. The only way to have a heat-related illness is by working outdoors in the hot sun.
T F

2. Which of the following factors can lead to increased risk of heat stress?
a. Age
b. Prior history of heat-related illness
c. Being overweight
d. All of the above

3. Your body attempts to regulate its internal body temperature through all of the following EXCEPT:
a. Sweating
b. Rushing blood to skin surface
c. Producing excess sodium
d. Monitoring its internal body temperature

4. The most serious of all heat-related illness is heat exhaustion, which can result in death if left untreated.
T F

5. To treat a victim of heat stroke, perform all of the following EXCEPT:
a. Leave victim alone in cool area
b. Immerse victim in cool water
c. Fan vigorously
d. Massage body with ice

6. Exhaust ventilation in areas of high heat is a way of controlling heat stress.
T F

7. Which of the following are most likely to put you at risk for a heat disorder:
a. Wearing light-colored clothing while working outdoors
b. Wearing personal protective equipment in a climate-controlled environment
c. Wearing dark-colored clothing while working outdoors
d. Taking periodic breaks between physical tasks in the heat

8. Name four of the six main factors involved in causing heat stress:
a) ___________________________________________
b) ___________________________________________
c) ___________________________________________
d) ___________________________________________

9. Heat cramps may be a symptom of other heat-related illnesses.
T F

10. Drinks other than water, such as soda or coffee, are acceptable to give to someone suffering from a heat-related illness.
T F

11. All of the following are ways to protect you from heat stress, EXCEPT:
a. Telling your supervisor immediately if you start feeling ill.
b. Drinking plenty of beverages, including alcohol.
c. Taking regular breaks in the shade.
d. Wearing proper clothing and sunscreen.

12. Educating employees is key to preventing heat stress.
T F

Heat Stress Safety Answers to Quiz
1. False – working in a hot environment contributes to heat stress
2. D
3. C
4. False – Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness
5. A
6. True
7. C
8. Temperature, humidity, movement of air, radiant temperature of the surroundings, clothing, and physical activity
9. True
10. False – water or electrolyte drinks only
11. B
12. True

Tags: Fainting, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Rash, Heat Stress, Heat Stroke, Types of Heat Stress

Boats, trampolines and more – are you properly insured?

Summer is the time for fun. Book a tee time, put the boat in the water, head to the lake, the beach or the mountains. It is the time of year to play. Golfing, boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, hiking, trail riding – you name it, we do it.

In order to play, we have to have the right toys. And, we have those toys – swimming pools, boats, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, motor homes, and trampolines for the kids. You name it, we’ve got it. And if we don’t own one, we’ll rent one.

But, are the toys we own and rent properly insured under personal insurance policies? In some cases the answer is yes, but, all too often the answer is no.

Pick up your phone and give us a call.  Find out whether your “summer fun” might turn into your “summer nightmare”.  We can help make sure it is “summer fun” for you!

Tags: Baltimore County, Ellicott City, Howards County, insurance, maryland, Maryland Insurance, md, personal insurance

Give us a call and find out why you’ll want to make Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman, Inc. your resource center of choice for insuring all of your contracting exposures. With understanding, knowledge and integrity, our professional staff of agents specially trained in the unique needs of contractors, we will guide you to the best markets and most comprehensive products in the industry for your contracting business. From a small one man operation to large contractors with many employees and huge exposures, our expertise encompasses almost every type of contractor, including ROOFING, JANITORIAL, FLOORING, PLUMBING, LANDSCAPING AND CARPENTRY CONTRACTORS just to name a few!

Don’t just take our word for it…read what one of our customers has to say about his experience of doing business with our agency:

“Rossmann Hurt Hoffman, Inc not only was able to offer me a better insurance program, but they were able to offer it at a more competitive price.  Rossmann Hurt Hoffman has better service and expertise than any agent I have ever dealt with” – Mike Corona, Corona Marble & Tile

Tags: Baltimore, Contractors Insurance, Contractors Insurance Maryland, Ellicott City, maryland, md

Restaurant insurance is important to have, because it can protect your business from liability issues and lawsuits due to broken equipment. There are many common everyday scenarios restaurants face that can become easily hazardous. This article will discuss some of the great reasons to consider getting insurance for your restaurant business today.

Think about how often chefs are using the fryers in a kitchen, or how often your restaurant is exposed to open flames. Wouldn’t it be a tragedy if a fire broke out in your restaurant? Think about how your business would be severely financially affected, in addition to the injuries workers or even your customers could sustain. Having to engage in legal battles could prove to be even more expensive.

With restaurant insurance, your business is protected from common everyday scenarios like the above that can harm your business.

There are a variety of more specific types of restaurant insurance you may want to invest in for your company. Food contamination insurance is especially helpful if your restaurant happens to lose power one day. If your restaurant loses power due to a storm or fallen power lines, then food contamination insurance will cover the entire contents of your freezer in which you keep your food. Perhaps you own a gourmet restaurant and keep thousands of dollars worth of food in a freezer. This type of restaurant insurance would then cover your valuable losses and would prove to be a valuable investment.

Loss of Business insurance is another kind of restaurant insurance that protects your restaurant. Perhaps you start losing sales or customers due to a recent incident at your restaurant. Depending on what the reason is you may be able to recoup some of the losses with Loss of Business insurance.

Some types of restaurant insurance include all of the specific types in an all-in-one sort of package. This can be a highly favorable choice, if you want to cover all of your bases as a restaurant. If you place a high premium on being prepared, then all inclusive restaurant insurance is the perfect choice for you.

Other times in which restaurant may protect you are for food spoilage, liquor liability reasons, worker’s compensation lawsuits, and a plethora of other scenarios.

Having restaurant insurance is the best way your restaurant can prepare for the worst. Be prepared and your preparation may be a smart investment in the future when you need insurance most.

Tags: howard county, insurance, maryland, Maryland Insurance, md, restaurant insurance

Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman had the pleasure of attending and sponsoring of the 2010 Restaurant Association of Maryland Stars of The Industry Awards Gala this past Monday April 26th. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, “Each year the Restaurant Association of Maryland honors hospitality luminaries for their excellence demonstrated in and out of the kitchen as well as their service to the local communities.” The annual awards presentation took place at Martin’s West in Baltimore Maryland where the dining public and hospitality professionals throughout the state recognized the year’s “Stars of the Industry”. We and 700+ attendees enjoyed fine dining and a night of celebration for the Maryland restaurant industry.  This year’s winners include:

• Restaurateur of the Year – Dorothy and Richard Mollett, Antrim 1844 (Taneytown)
• Chef of the Year – Bryan Voltaggio, Volt (Frederick)
• Maryland’s Favorite Restaurant – Jack’s Bistro (Baltimore)
• Maryland’s Favorite New Restaurant – Blue Hill Tavern (Baltimore)
• Favorite Caterer – Chef’s Expressions (Timonium)
• Favorite Bar and Tavern – The Brewer’s Art (Baltimore)
• Pastry Chef of the Year – Maura Radmanesh, Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge (Rockville)
• Wine and Beverage Program of the Year – Charleston Restaurant Group (Baltimore)
• Allied Member of the Year – Saval Foodservice represented by Brian Bernstein
• Green Restaurant of the Year – Woodberry Kitchen (Baltimore)

Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman would like to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners!

Tags: maryland, md, Restaurant Association of Maryland, rhh insurance, Stars of the Industry

You’ve always dreamed of planning the perfect wedding, but no matter how carefully you plan it, there are many things that can go wrong – things that are beyond your control. Wedding insurance helps make things right when something goes wrong! For as little as $160, your wedding insurance policy can cover a variety of situations, such as: a lost or damaged wedding gown; lost deposit if the vendor goes out of business or simply fails to show up; lost or damaged wedding bands; severe weather; sudden illness; your venue requires insurance and/or liquor liability…the list goes on!  Go to the RHH Insurance website today and learn more about this valuable coverage.  You will see how simple and inexpensive it is for you to obtain wedding insurance, and some peace of mind as well!

Tags: Columbia, Ellicott City, insurance, maryland, Maryland Insurance, md, Wedding Insurance

Properly insuring a rental car can be confusing. So how do you determine whether or not you should purchase the coverage offered by the rental car company? Most importantly, you must educate yourself in order to make the decision that is right for you. Know what’s covered by those seemingly steep fees so you can make an informed decision when you step up to the rental car counter. Avoid the costly mistakes of either wasting money purchasing unnecessary coverage or having dangerous gaps in coverage. Before renting a vehicle, you should make two phone calls-one to your insurance agent and the other to the credit card company you will be using to pay for the rental car.

To help you become an informed insurance consumer, let’s start with a few of the many unknown facts:

Loss valuation: Most personal auto policies (PAP) don’t cover reimbursement for the full value of a car, which many rental car agreements require. Without purchasing the rental car company’s collision damage waiver/loss damage waiver (CDW/LDW), you could end up with coverage of the actual cash value or repair costs (the lesser of the two wins out), which–more often than not will not reimburse the rental car company for the full value.

Diminution of value: For third-party claims, your policy could cover claims of diminished value under the “expenses for which you become legally responsible” clause. However, there is a cap on the payout, and many states have approved an endorsement which excludes claims of diminished value. This means you could be caught legally responsible for paying the difference between the reimbursement by your insurance carrier and the vehicle’s decrease in value to the rental car company.

Use of vehicles: While many auto policies don’t cover physical damage of certain non-owned vehicles–including vans and pick-up trucks–used for business purposes, the CDW/LDW doesn’t carry those exclusions.

Coverage area: The ISO Personal Auto Policy (PAP) doesn’t cover an insured when traveling beyond the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada.

Types of vehicles: Physical damage coverage for motorcycles, pick-up trucks, vans, motor homes and other non-autos isn’t normally covered under the PAP for rented vehicles.

Loss settlement: Certain Personal Auto Policy editions stipulate that an insurance company has an opportunity to appraise the vehicle before it is repaired. If an ambitious rental company makes immediate repairs, the insured may lose coverage by default.

Indirect losses: The rental car company will probably hold the driver responsible for its loss of rental income. Certain PAP editions only cover loss of income for a theft; others have daily and maximum indirect-loss caps.

Administrative expenses: The PAP usually doesn’t cover loss-related fees for appraisal, storage, towing, etc. Rental car companies are known to tack on exorbitant expenses and lump them under “administrative expenses.”

Credit Card Company: Insurance benefits offered by credit card companies differ by both the company and/or the bank that issues the card, as well as by the level of credit card used. For instance, a platinum card may offer more insurance coverage than a gold card.

Credit cards usually cover only damage to or loss of the rented vehicle, not for other cars, personal belongings or the property of others. There may be no personal liability coverage for bodily injury or death claims. Some credit card companies will provide coverage for towing, but many may not provide for diminished value or administrative fees. Some credit card companies have changed their policies, too, so you may not have as much coverage as you thought.

To know exactly what type of insurance you have, call the toll-free number on the back of the card you will be using to rent the car. If you are depending on a credit card for insurance protection, ask the credit card company or bank to send you their coverage information in writing. In most cases, credit card benefits are secondary to either your personal insurance protection or the insurance offered by the rental car company.

If you have more than one credit card, consider calling each one to see which offers the best insurance protection.

Be an educated insurance consumer, do your homework and then weigh the risks and benefits. The extra $20 per day doesn’t seem nearly as ugly when compared to hefty expenses from coverage gaps.

Want to learn more about rental car coverage? Call our agency today and ask to speak with one of our insurance specialists! (410) 504-1002

Tags: Insurance Agent, Insurance Maryland, maryland, md, Rental Car Coverage

Contractors insurance is essential to have to protect your business and your personal assets. If you are acting as an independent contractor, this is even more important because chances are you are operating as a sole proprietor and therefore your personal belongings are at risk in a legal dispute.

Contractors insurance is very helpful and frequently required as a prudent measure to protect the business you are contracting out to. Most business professionals required that subcontractors and contractors carry their own business liability insurance. This type of insurance assures protection to clients also, against non-performance and other problems that commonly occur when using contractors.

Insurance is available for all trades, including roofers, electricians, mechanical contractors, HVAC professionals, plumbers and other contractors. When you enter someone else’s premises or property, you can be held liable for any damage that occurs. This can be accidental damage, damage due to faulty equipment or damage due to negligence.

Carrying contractors insurance is a good way to obtain work. Many individuals and businesses will refuse to hire a contractor who does not carry their own insurance. Use your insurance coverage as a selling point when seeking new business. Accidents happen even under the best of circumstances. To work without adequate insurance is just asking for troublesome lawsuits. The cost is very reasonable and would be tax deductible as a business expense.

Visit www.rhhinsurance.com today to receive details regarding contractors insurance that you need. Their insurance professionals can explain what coverage you should have and why you need it. They will look at your particular area of expertise and have the experience to pinpoint the coverage you should have immediately. A checklist of coverages needed for your type of contracting work will be created to ensure that you do have all the coverage you should have in order to conduct business successfully.

Lowering your exposure to risk is another area where insurance expertise is essential. At www.rhhinsurance.com, their insurance experts know from experience what coverage will actually help lower your risks from damage that occurs while on the job. They will confirm that you have all the proper coverage limits in effect, examine the financial state of your insurance carrier and check for overall correctness.

Coordinating your contractors insurance with your clients’ specifications in contracts is another important detail to look at. Meeting all insurance and indemnification provisions is a “must do” in today’s litigious society.

Tags: Baltimore, Contractors Insurance, Contractors Insurance Maryland, Ellicott City, Insurance Maryland, maryland, md

Even soaring gas prices and a sluggish economy won’t slow down the American road warrior. So how do you determine whether you need a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) when renting a car? First and foremost, educate yourself. Know what’s covered by those seemingly steep fees so you can make an informed decision when you step up to the rental car counter. Avoid the costly mistakes of either wasting money purchasing unnecessary coverage or having dangerous gaps in coverage. Before renting a vehicle, you should make two phone calls-one to your insurance agent and the other to the credit card company you will be using to pay for the rental car.

Tags: insurance, Insurance Agent, Insurance Maryland, LDW, Loss Damage Waiver, Rental Car Coverage

If you are in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change a tire or check damage from a fender bender is probably one of the worst things you can do. The Insurance Information Institute recommends the following precautions when your car breaks down:

1. Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you’ve been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.
2. If you can’t drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances standing outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea.
3. Carry flares or triangles to use to mark your location once you get to the side of the road. Marking your vehicle’s location to give other drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
4. In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your safety.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, howard county, insurance, maryland, Maryland Insurance, maryland insurance company, rhh insurance