Jobs and working conditions in the music industry

When you’re starting out in the music industry, especially as a performer, there’s a certain level of romance to playing in a smoky club and using a dirty storage closet in your dressing room. You think you are paying your fair share and that you will eventually make it big and then you can look back on these simpler times with nostalgia. Never mind the fact that your working conditions are uncomfortable and can even be dangerous.

The working conditions of music industry jobs range from state-of-the-art concert halls and recording studios to dirty stands and dilapidated clubs. However, as soon as you declare yourself an industry professional, you and your health will be protected by OSHA standards. OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration and is the branch of the federal government that makes sure your working conditions are safe.

To make sure your music industry working conditions are safe for you, you need to know your rights under OSHA. This means that no matter where you play or how much you’re paid, you should have a safe place to change and store your gear. You must have easy access to drinking water and a clean bathroom. You must be allowed adequate breaks during your working time; the industry standard is generally ninety minutes on and fifteen minutes off. If you believe the equipment or infrastructure is unsafe, you should be able to report it to your building contact without fear of breaching your contract.

Working conditions for music industry jobs don’t have to be as bad as they are as long as all musicians, from the kid with their first live gig to the veteran performer, come together to demand safe working conditions. and clean so they can produce the best music possible.