There were over 3,700 reports of assaults on nurses last year.
According to Freedom of Information Figures, it represents 49 per cent of all the attacks on HSE staff in 2021.
There were 41 reports of sexual assaults on healthcare workers during the year.
Phil Ni Sheaghdha , from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, says many of the assaults happen when security are present.
"We need the absolute focus of the employer in keeping their staff safe."
The Union reps says they've asked for the HSA to intervene and say they want inspections on workplaces to be carried our regularly.
They also called for the HSE to to show real focus in tackling the issue.
