Health and Safety

Health and safety is a vital issue for working musicians in both the workplace and when travelling to and from engagements. We provide specialist advice and resources to make sure you are safe at work.

Safe return to work

Resources

Covid-19 Risk Assessments

Workplace Risk Assessments must currently be Covid-19 specific. Use our advice along with assessment templates and examples.

Music Teaching

Guidance and health and safety advice for musicians who teach during COVID-19.

Live Performance Venues

A guide to what should be done in buildings or areas you are asked to work in during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Personal Safety Measures for Live Performers

It is highly likely that any potential booker will ask what measures you as an artist are putting in place to maintain safe working practices in venues.

Recording Session Work

Safety advice for session musicians working in recording studios.

Orchestral Work

Advice for orchestral players returning to work safely.

Workplace Stress

Just one of the areas to include on your Covid-19 specific workplace Risk Assessment.

Guidance and resources

Risk Assessments

Musicians come across Risk Assessments either as an employee or as a self-employed player asked - here is everything you need to know.

Guidance by Working Area and Circumstances

Browse advice by your area of work, from recording studio to live performances.

Guidance by Health and Safety Issue

Browse advice on noise, vocal health, PAT testing, fire safety and other safety issues.

Member benefits

Member discount

Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

Access musician-specialist audiologists and bespoke hearing protection for an affordable amount.

Member benefit

MU Safety Reps

The MU has the special group of Roving Safety Reps who can assist you in your workplace.

Healthcare Services

The MU has partnerships with specialist organisations to be able to help musicians address health problems.

Latest health & safety news

Women sat cross legged on a mat in pyjamas in yoga/meditation pose. She has headphones in and is watching her laptop.

Re-watch Alison Gordon’s Meditation Session for Musicians’ Mental Health Month

Last month the MU in partnership with YCAT, BAPAM and Help Musicians’ UK launched Musicians’ Mental Health Month and you can now watch a recording of one of the sessions.

Published: 25 May 2022

Man performing on stage with guitar under a brick arch/tunnel way, the crowd are sat watching.

Seed Sessions: Creating Roots For Better Mental Health in Male-identifying Musicians

Artist Nederveen shares his experience of working with Seed Sessions, the community interest company (CIC) combining music-making with counselling sessions for young male-identifying musicians in Bristol.

Published: 18 May 2022

Blurred bright lights and colours at night implying food trucks at a festival

Hundreds of Festivals Sign Up to AIF Safer Spaces Campaign

The UK's Association Of Independent Festivals has relaunched its Safer Spaces campaign today, with more than a hundred festivals on board. The aim is to tackle and combat sexual violence at festivals and large-scale music events.

Published: 17 May 2022

The pride flag flies against a clear bright blue sky

Celebrating IDAHOBIT in the music industry

Today, Tuesday 17 May, the MU celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT).