A recent study conducted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats has reported that NHS staff in Scotland have suffered more than 35,000 injuries while in the workplace.
This is the number of reported injuries which occurred between 2011 and 2013.
The Evening Times reports that Greater Glasgow and Hyde had the highest proportion of workplace injuries among NHS staff.
During the period of study, Greater Glasgow and Hyde clocked up 9,583 reported incidents of staff injury; more than 2,000 more cases than NHS Borders which ranked second in the survey.
Orkney had the least number of incidents - only 11 workplace accidents were reported over three years.
There is positive news; however, as between 2011 – 2013 the number of workplace accidents and incidents resulting in personal injury in Greater Glasgow and Hyde decreased – a positive trend Government ministers hope to see replicated throughout the nation.
The figures include slip and trip accidents and injuries caused by medical equipment such as needle wounds. They also take into account mental and physical illness brought about by stress. Worryingly, the number of incidents of violence against NHS Scotland staff remained high.
A Scottish Government spokesperson, speaking to the BBC, said, "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."
It is unclear how many personal injury claims have been made by NHS Scotland staff members between 2011 and 2013.
