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

Photograph of a persons hand turning the tuning peg on a guitar, in the background is wild countryside.

Scottish Classical Music Green Guide Launched by the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group

Set up during the pandemic, the Scottish Classical Sustainability Group (SCSG) is putting the welfare of our planet in the spotlight with the launch of its first ever Scottish Classical Music Green Guide, and the MU is proud to have contributed.

Photograph of a young woman listening to music off her phone on the bus.

MU Moves to Support Girls I Rate as Part of UK Music 10-Point Plan

As part of the 10-Point Plan published by UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce last October, the MU will be supporting equality movement organisation Girls I Rate in their work towards a music industry where women can thrive.

A young musician is playfully holding up the seperated parts of a bassoon, looking through one end of one piece.

ABRSM Announces Enriched Woodwind Syllabus Which Aims to Inspire Curiosity of Learners

A new, enriched woodwind syllabus designed to inspire the curiosity of learners and spark interest in music from all corners of the world and by people of all backgrounds has been launched by ABRSM.

Photograph of a young adult walking with a violin case strapped to their back against an urban backdrop.

TUC General Secretary Highlights “Outrageous” HE Funding Cuts in MU Conference Speech

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady sent a strong message of solidarity and support to MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Delegate Conference.

Photograph of the houses of parliament in the bright sunshine.

Jo Stevens MP Reaffirms Labour’s Commitment to Music at MU Delegate Conference Address

Jo Stevens MP shared a powerful message with MU members at the 39th Musicians’ Union Biennial Delegate Conference.

Read all news

A snapped middle finger which nearly ended my career and left me physically, mentally and financially fragile. The MU offered me all the support and guidance I desperately needed to heal, both outside and in.
Rob WheelerMusician

The MU provides a range of services designed to ensure musicians' health, safety and welfare. We partner with BAPAM and MHS to achieve that.
Dave WebsterMU National Organiser, Live Performance

The MU is in a class of its own. I will forever be grateful for the emergency and rehabilitation support it gave me when I couldn’t work due to injury and post-op recovery.
Camilla Mathias Performer and recording artist

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