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

Photograph of a guitar leaning against a wooden chair, blurred in the background is a sunny classroom with a circle of students playing more guitars.

Student Members Encouraged to Participate in Research Study

Canterbury Christ Church University are carrying out a research project on undergraduate students’ experiences and perceptions of instrumental and singing teaching. Those who can are encouraged to participate by completing their survey.

Photograph of a miniature placard held up at a protest, it reads

Evidence on Challenges Musicians Face as a Result of the Brexit Deal Presented to House of Lords

MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge spoke to members of the House of Lords about the challenges facing musicians working in the EU as a result of the Brexit Deal.

Portrait photograph of Lord Holmes, he wears a blue suit against a plain grey background and a serious expression.

Work Arrangements for UK Musicians in the EU: The Show Must Go On

In this blog, originally posted on Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE’s website and reposted here with his kind permission, he discusses how music is an important part of all of us – and a massive cultural export for the UK which must be protected.

Major Labels Give Evidence at Music Streaming Inquiry

A number of major labels took centre stage in the latest session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s music streaming inquiry.

Woman sat at a table with an open laptop and a notebook and pen, she looks prepared to learn.

Series of Legal-Advice Webinar Recordings for Musicians Released by Harper Macleod

Scottish legal firm Harper Macleod have released three recordings of their legal webinars for musicians for free public consumption, with a fourth on its way.

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