This warning follows the case of Andrea Osborne, a former freelance sub-editor at The Guardian, who has just been awarded £37,500 for a repetitive strain injury claim - even though she was not a member of the newspaper's staff.

Simon Joyston-Bechal, from lawyers Pinsent Masons, told The Register:

"Regulations require employers to assess all workstations for health and safety risks.

"Many find this difficult to achieve for all workers. But some don't even try.

"Employers are asking for trouble if they turn a blind eye."