Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd
Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd is a scientist at the Institute for Work & Health, where he has been a researcher since 1997. He has an MSc and BSc in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, an MSc in health research methodology from McMaster University, and a PhD in work and health from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.
Upon getting his MSc in kinesiology, Van Eerd got his start in occupational health and safety research in a clinical setting, studying musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper body in musicians, painters, writers and other artists. Now a scientist with the Institute for Work & Health, he focuses primarily on the prevention of MSDs, as well as on the implementation of programs and practices to prevent work injury and disability.
His research projects have included evaluations of participatory ergonomics and training interventions, as well as systematic reviews of the prevention literature. Van Eerd also practices and researches integrated knowledge transfer and exchange.
“As a kinesiologist specializing in the multidisciplinary treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) for a variety of clients, including performing artists, I felt an evidence-based approach was important. But I was consistently frustrated by the lack of good quality research to help guide my practice. Coming from a strong science program enabled me to pursue small research projects in the clinical setting, which led me to look for more research opportunities—and ultimately, to IWH.” – Dr. Dwayne Van Eerd
Projects
- Accommodating and Communicating about Episodic Disabilities (ACED): A partnership to deliver workplace resources to sustain employment of people with chronic, episodic conditions. Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada Signature Initiative. Ongoing.
- Central nervous system agents and the risk of workplace injury and death: a systematic review. Funded by WorkSafeBC. Ongoing.
- Developing recommendations for an integrated approach to workplace health protection and health promotion. Funded by Alberta OHS Future. Ongoing.
- Evaluating the implementation of a participatory organizational change intervention in long-term care. Funded by Ontario Ministry of Labour, Centre for Research on the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD). Ongoing. (PI on the project)
- Identifying relevant OHS leading indicators in Manitoba's construction sector. Funded by Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Ongoing.
Publications
- Van Eerd D, Smith PM, Vu U. Implications of an aging workforce for work injury, recovery, returning to work and remaining at work. OOHNA Journal. 2019 30-36. Full text.
- Yanar B, Amick B, Lambraki I, D'Elia T, Severin C, Van Eerd D. How are leaders using benchmarking information in occupational health and safety decision-making?. Safety Science. 2019;116:245-253. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2019.03.016.
- Van Eerd D. Knowledge transfer and exchange in health and safety: a rapid review. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2019;17(1):54-77. doi:10.1080/14773996.2018.1508116.
- Furlan AD, Carnide N, Irvin E, Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Kim J, Li CMF, Hamad A, Mahood Q, Macdonald S. A systematic review of strategies to improve appropriate use of opioids and to reduce opioid use disorder and deaths from prescription opioids. Canadian Journal of Pain. 2018;2(1):218-235. doi:10.1080/24740527.2018.1479842.
- Van Eerd D, Ferron EM, D'Elia T, Morgan D, Ziesmann F, Amick B. Process evaluation of a participatory organizational change program to reduce musculoskeletal and slip, trip and fall injuries. Applied Ergonomics. 2018;68:42-53. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2017.10.015.
Presentations
- Perspectives on using occupational health and safety research. IWH Speaker Series. February 17, 2015.
Interviews and articles
- Construction safety association develops OHS assessment tool with IWH’s expertise . At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 97, Summer 2019.
- Implications of an aging workforce for work injury, recovery, returning to work and remaining at work. OOHNA Journal. April 10, 2019. Available from: https://www.iwh.on.ca/sites/iwh/files/oohna_journal_fw_2019_agingrtw.pdf
- Work-focused CBT can help depressed employees remain on the job. Benefits Canada. May 4, 2018. Available from: http://www.benefitscanada.com/news/work-focused-cbt-can-help-depressed-employees-remain-on-the-job-114005
- IWH’s new guide on supporting workers with depression integrates research with practice. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 92, Spring 2018.
- Long-term care home sees safety culture change after participatory ergonomics study. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 88, Spring 2017.