Thousands of NHS Staff Injured in Work
Posted: January 19, 2015
Posted in: Criminal Injury and Assault Workplace Injuries Workplace Slip
Just under 10,00 NHS staff workers were injured at work in the Glasgow area between 2011-13 according to figures uncovered recently, representing a third of all NHS injuries throughout Scotland.
Between 2011-2013, there were over 35,000 injuries across Scotland varying from slips, trips and falls, violent assaults, staff being knocked out, punctures on dirty needles and infections. Despite the alarming figures NHS Scotland insists that the numbers represent a decline on the number of injuries seen in the past.
The figures were uncovered by the Liberal Democrats and showed a worryingly high rate of violence against staff.
Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume said:
“Whilst our health boards operate vigorous accident reporting and prevention systems we know that accidents can occur because of potentially unsafe behaviour or conditions.
“It is worrying that violence against staff also remains a high cause of injury. Injuries such as slips, trips and falls are always preventable.”
“Continuously Improving”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said:
“All health boards are required to provide a continuously improving and safe working environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the wider community.
“The recent nationwide NHS staff survey shows that staff working in Scotland’s health service feel increasingly positive about the overall experience of working for NHS Scotland.
“Unfortunately evidence shows that incidents of violent and aggressive abuse are a serious factor for healthcare workers and this is clearly unacceptable.
“We actively encourage NHS Scotland organisations to commit to supporting criminal proceedings against anyone who assaults a staff member.”
Contact Us
If you have been injured in an accident in your place of work, or if you believe your employer is failing you in regards to health and safety standards, contact us today on 01418 465 957 to see if you could make a claim using our online contact form.
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