Author: Nancy Germond
Dehydration, heat stress, and heat stroke can escalate quickly during the summer months. Left untreated, these conditions are not just harmful but can also be life-threatening. With warmer weather on the horizon, it is vital to remind your clients about the risks posed by heat and humidity. Heat stress is not limited to outdoor workers. Anyone exposed to excessive heat can be affected, especially those with health conditions like diabetes, who may face a higher risk. Extreme heat also increases the likelihood of fatigue, which can lead to inattention and workplace accidents. The Difference Between Heat Stroke and Heat Stress Heat stress and heat stroke are two distinct conditions caused by excessive heat; however, they differ in severity. Heat stress is the body’s initial response to prolonged heat exposure, leading to symptoms like heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue and light headedness. When not addressed, heat stress can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke is far more dangerous, requiring immediate medical attention. When the body cannot regulate its temperature, heat stroke can occur. Symptoms of heat stroke include a lack of sweating, although the skin feels hot and dry, a rapid pulse and breathing, mental confusion including slurred speech, nausea, seizures, or unconsciousness. Recognizing these differences is critical for recognizing the signs early and preventing life-threatening complications. Heat stroke means organs may be shutting down and death can be rapid. If they are in doubt, instruct employees to call 911. According to one doctor, heat stroke may kill within 15 minutes. They may just save a life. Heat Stress Can Come on Suddenly Heat stress can develop rapidly, even when it may not seem too hot outside. Heat stress shows symptoms such as heat cramps and exhaustion. Warning signs include a lack of sweating, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse, and symptoms ranging from weakness to confusion or seizures. Without immediate treatment, heat stress may escalate to heat stroke with deadly consequences. The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute reports that heat-related illnesses increase at least sevenfold on days when temperatures exceed 90° F versus days when temperatures stay between 75° F and 80°F. Case Study My husband, a plumbing contractor, hired a plumber whose son was a roofer. The heat in Arizona in the summer can rise to 118 or more on some days. One day, his son was on a roof with above-average temperatures. When he came down from the roof, he complained to his coworkers that he felt unwell. They did not know what to do, so they drove him to the shop, where the shop called an ambulance. The young man did not survive. He had heat stroke, and their failure to take immediate and proper action led to his death. It wasn’t the workers’ fault; they had no training in rendering first aid to a heat stress situation. However, all were affected—coworkers, parents and the business owner. Recommend Your Clients Provide Training If your client’s workers suspect someone is suffering from heat stress, they should act quickly to prevent the condition from becoming critical. Immediately move the employee to a cool, shaded area to reduce their body temperature. Keep their head and shoulders slightly elevated to promote blood flow. Loosen clothing where possible to improve air flow. If there is any quantity of ice available to the neck, armpits and groin area. Placing cool towels over the head, upper body and arms and legs can also help bring down the body temperature. If conscious, encourage the victim to drink small amounts of cool water to stay hydrated but avoid giving them anything overly cold or caffeinated. If symptoms continue or worsen, such as confusion or loss of consciousness, call 911 at once for medical help. Fast action can save a life. Keeping Your Clients’ Employees Safer Here is how you can recommend your clients keep their employees safe. There are several good training videos available on YouTube. Here is one short video on heat stroke to consider recommending provided by a Las Vegas doctor. As an insurance agent, sharing safety tips with clients in response to the weather, or special events such as a major holiday, is an opportunity to build trust and foster loyalty. By proactively distributing this critical information, agents show genuine care for their clients’ safety and well-being. You are no longer just a person “Trying to sell me something,” you become a trusted adviser. These and other safety tips can help to keep your clients’ producation steadier and e-mods more manageable. Originally Published: June 13, 2025 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Copyright © 2025, Big “I" Virtual University. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be used or reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission from Big “I" Virtual University. For further information, contact nancy.germond@iiaba.net. |