Working from home can be hazardous to your health.

That’s according to a report from WorldatWork, which cites a Bupa UK poll to which 51 percent of respondents say they have work-related injuries that range from aches and pains to neck and back problems and other injuries.

According to Bupa UK, a Great Britain-based international health care group, some of the causes of these injuries include lack of a dedicated work area at home — with 25 percent of remote workers saying that that’s a problem — working hunched over, to which 50 percent admit, and working on a bed or sofa instead of in a chair at a desk; 40 percent say they’re guilty of doing so.

The report points out such contortions boost the odds workers will incur musculoskeletal injury, with the most common forms of suffering including backaches (24 percent) and neck aches (20 percent). Researchers say failing to have a proper workspace set up at home could be responsible for remote workers’ health problems.

Lest one think the potential damage is limited to the physical, that’s not the case. In fact, 47 percent of workers say they work longer hours when at home, the study finds, compared to the hours they put in at their primary place of work.

In addition, they often work longer than stated in their contract. If this behavior continues over a prolonged period of time, the report says, this can result in increased fatigue and stress levels.

Of course there are also advantages to working remotely, with 58 percent of workers saying they build exercise into their day; the same proportion also say they eat better for health. In addition, 66 percent say they take regular breaks from their work area, providing a respite for both mind and body.

Just 38 percent of remote workers say they were helped by their employer to have a suitable home-based workspace. While getting more employers on board to make sure workers have appropriate work areas, there are other guidelines to follow that can help avoid work-related injuries.

Bupa makes the following suggestions: adequate light to ward off eye strain; a chair set at the right height so that feet can reach the floor; proper adjustment of the monitor; a hands-free phone line, to avoid typing or writing with the phone between ear and shoulder; regular breaks; and regular stretches.