People can risk suffering from aches and pains by doing nothing more strenuous than sitting at a desk for several hours, it has been claimed.

According to the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL), some office workers sustain neck and wrist pains caused by their working habits and the way they sit in front of a workstation.

To avoid muscle aches and other problems, the organisation recommends staying active by regularly getting up and moving around the office, if only for a brief period.

In addition, employees should think carefully about their posture when using a computer.

"When we assume a compromised posture we have a greater chance of suffering aches and pains," explained Matt Birtles, ergonomist at the HSL.

"Each time we stand up and walk about, it gives our body a break from the fixed posture and lets the muscles relax."

Mr Birtles also recommended taking "a quick walk during lunchtime" to exercise muscles and keep blood flowing around the body.

The HSL is based in Derbyshire and was set up to help the government minimise health and safety risks in the UK workplace.