91Èȱ¬

It is important to be aware of how to use your voice properly, taking care of your voice as an instrument and what to do if you develop voice symptoms.

What Can Go Wrong?

• You might strain your voice if you are not producing it appropriately or are having to talk very loudly or shout to make yourself heard.
• Sometimes other medical conditions such as persistent throat infections, acid reflux from the stomach into the throat (also known as GERD) or nodules on the vocal cords can affect the voice – these conditions need to be evaluated and treated, and in the meantime you may need to adjust or stop using your voice while it recovers.

Legal/91Èȱ¬ Requirements

• There are no specific legal requirements to draw to your attention; you must still apply the control measures that are relevant to your activity

Control Measures

Prevention

• Make sure you understand how to use your voice as an instrument.
• Ask your manager about voice training if you don’t know how to do this.
• Consider vocal exercises prior to using your voice as they can be helpful and prevent voice problems.
• Stopping smoking can be the single most important thing you can do to protect your voice, and your health.
• Do not use your voice professionally if you have Laryngitis and/ or your voice is hoarse, until your symptoms are better. 

During speaking

• Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluid – water is best.
• Make sure you take regular breaks in using your voice if you are speaking throughout the day.
• Do not strain your voice by shouting.
• Do not complete with background noise if you can, avoid it, as it will affect the sound you make and it will tire your voice. 

Afterwards

• Leave a gap of at least 2-3 hours after eating a big meal before going to bed. This will reduce the risk of acid reflux when lying down to sleep.
• Consider using a humidifier as it can help your voice by ensuring that any secretions in your throat are loose and easily shifted.
• Be aware of any persistent symptoms such as hoarseness, croaking or cracking of the voice and if you are symptomatic don’t use your voice professionally until your symptoms are better.
• Talk to your Line Manager at the earliest opportunity, if you are experiencing problems with your voice. Your Line Manager may refer you to Occupational Health. See "Occupational Health Referrals" - Under "Recommended Links (Gateway)".

Division Specific Issues

• No division specific issues.

FAQs/Did You Know?

• If you have hoarseness of the voice for longer than 2-3 weeks continuously then you should check your symptoms out with your GP/personal physician as soon as possible as this could indicate a more serious problem with your vocal cords.
• If you are working in areas where you do have to shout to be heard then you may be being exposed to harmful noise levels – ask your manager to carry out a noise risk assessment.
• If you get your posture right, this helps you to project your voice more effectively.

Recommended links

• 91Èȱ¬ Occupational Health