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.

Last updated: 27 November 2020

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

Guidance by Health and Safety Issue

Member benefits

Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

MU Safety Reps

Latest news and features

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Lobbying Update: Another Week, Another Brexit Argument

In this week’s lobbying update, find out more about how issues for touring musicians were covered in yesterday’s debate in parliament and what the MU intends to focus on moving forward.

A young musician singing into a microphone behind a protective screen.

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

The MU and The Ivors Academy have today responded with incredulity to the testimonies of the UK heads of the three major labels during questioning by the Select Committee inquiry into the Economics of Streaming.

Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Photograph of the sun setting over the houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

We received vital coverage on the need for a Musicians' Passport in today’s parliamentary debate. Find out what happened, what our next actions will be, and how you can get involved.

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

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

Have your voice