Overcrowding at Queensland's two privately-run prisons is so bad officer safety is at risk, a union says.
A survey of guards at the Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre, southwest of Brisbane, and the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre, in the Lockyer Valley, has shown most believe the situation is becoming out of hand.
Only 11 per cent of respondents believed enough staff were rostered on to ensure safe working conditions, while just one quarter thought management treated their safety with the level of priority it deserved.
The poll surveyed 177 officers - or about half the custodial staff at both prisons.
The problems were not being taken seriously, according to Michael Clifford from the union United Voice, which carried out the survey.
"Overcrowding is an issue which our members have raised time and again," he said.
Arthur Gorrie was built to hold 890 inmates and is Queensland's largest prison, but it currently holds 1041 prisoners.
The smaller Southern Queensland jail was housing 380 inmates last year - 80 more than it is designed for.
"They've done that by doubling up people in rooms, which in itself causes a stack of problems - it builds up tensions," Mr Clifford said.
Those tensions can fuel assaults on officers, according to the union.
Mr Clifford said every month this year, there has been an increase in the number of assaults across all Queensland jails when compared to last year.
"Its about a 47 per cent increase in the number of assaults."
Mr Clifford said the union would speak with the state government to address overcrowding, which remains a problem across most Queensland facilities.
The GEO Group Australia, which runs the Arthur Gorrie prison, and Serco, which runs the Southern Queensland facility, have been contacted for comment.
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