Key Health and Safety Issues

An introductory advice to some aspects of health and safety aspects affecting musicians including noise, hearing and electrical safety.

Last updated: 16 July 2024

All health and safety is covered by the Risk Assessment approach, which means looking at potential problems and coming up with ways to deal with them. So, from electrical safety to repetitive strain injuries, from noise to unsafe stages, there is a clear way forward.

Browse our advice by health and safety issue. You can find more detailed advice on specialised websites.

Health and Safety advice go-to sources

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 news and features

Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Close up of an acoustic guitar in a meadow at sunset.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

To mark LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Published: 05 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, and activists and musicians Maddie Morris, Stu and Keith Xander at the 2025 panel event.

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

Liverpool Sound City has announced it will introduce Access Riders for all artists and speakers at its 2026 festival, following an MU-led disability access panel and ongoing collaboration with the Union.

Published: 27 January 2026

Back of a women playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage.

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

A new report has been published by researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, representing the largest evidence base on harassment within Scottish Folk Music.

Published: 22 January 2026

Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

02 Mar 2026

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

Three people sat in a circle, the person speaking has their arms open with thier palms facing upwards, representing transparency.

03 Mar 2026

CULT Cymru: Developing Psychological Safety in Teams

A free, three-hour webinar for members in Wales exploring Psychological Safety. Learn how to build trust, open communication, and shared purpose to create productive, creative, and supportive teams in the music and creative industries.

Online

Last chance to book

A tangle of black cables, connected to sound equipment.

05 Mar 2026

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport

This online, accredited full-day course, is aimed at creative workers to promote a personal responsibility for safety. Discount is available for MU members based in Wales.

Online

See all events

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

Key Health and Safety Issues

Health and Safety advice go-to sources

Member benefits

Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

MU Safety Reps

Healthcare Services

Latest news and features

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

Contact the Musicians' Union today

Upcoming events

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

CULT Cymru: Developing Psychological Safety in Teams

Last chance to book

CULT Cymru: Creative Industries Safety Passport