Care workers suffered more than 6,000 violent attacks resulting in serious injuries during the last five years, shocking new figures have shown.
The statistics, published by the GMB, found 6,034 violent attacks on care workers were reported to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) between 2013-18.
Of these, more than 5,000 workers were so seriously injured they had to take at least seven days off work.
A further 1,026 carers suffered a ‘specified’ injury – which can include fractures, loss of sight, brain damage, loss of consciousness, asphyxia, or amputation.
Rachel Harrison, GMB national officer, said: ‘Our members often tell us about the abuse they have to face at work - and these figures back them up.
’These statistics are the tip of the iceberg – they only include the most serious injuries, and our members have to deal with violence on a daily basis.’
