A major staff shortage at prisons across the state is fueling even more violence.

WA Prison Officers Union State Secretary Andy Smith told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings that two officers were assaulted by a violent prisoner at Casuarina Prison recently and was not placed in confinement, despite previously assaulting other officers.

The officers suffered broken noses and loosened teeth and required plastic surgery.

Mr Smith said incidents occurred because prisoners are allowed to roam free in low-security areas at certain times.

“It was unexpected and fairly brutal, the attack was unprovoked,” he said.

“You can be on guard so to speak but you can’t be for 12 hours a shift.

If you’re just unlocking a door, which was happening in this case, the risk level you would perceive would be fairly low.

“The prisoner came out aggressive and punching, so it was unexpected from the officer’s perspective.”

Mr Smith WA prisons are already short of 600 to 800 staff, or 30-50 on a daily basis at every prison across the state.

Tap PLAY below to hear more of the disturbing issues at WA prisons.