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 is also a guest senior researcher with the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark and an assistant professor (status) in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. 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.
Van Eerd's research focuses on the prevention of work-related injuries, as well as on the implementation of programs and practices to prevent work injury and disability related to physical and mental health. His research projects include evaluations of workplace MSD and mental health practices/programs and their implementation, and 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
- Effective workplace interventions to prevent upper extremity disorders: a systematic review update. Funded by Ontario Ministry of Labour. Completed. (PI on the project)
- Measuring the impact of an organizational change initiative to reduce work disability in an acute-care hospital. Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Completed.
- Quality and types of instruments used to assess KTE implementation and impact: a systematic review. Completed.
- Process and implementation of participatory ergonomics interventions: a systematic review. Funded by Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Completed. (PI on the project)
- Role of workplace interventions to prevent upper extremity MSDs: a systematic review. Completed.
Publications
- Kennedy CA, Beaton DE, Smith PM, Van Eerd D, Tang K, Inrig T, Hogg-Johnson S, Linton D, Couban R. Measurement properties of the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) outcome measure and cross-cultural adaptations of the QuickDASH: a systematic review. Quality of Life Research. 2013;22(9):2509-2547. doi:10.1007/s11136-013-0362-4.
- King T, Severin C, Van Eerd D, Ibrahim S, Cole DC, Amick B, Steenstra I. A pilot randomised control trial of the effectiveness of a biofeedback mouse in reducing self-reported pain among office workers. Ergonomics. 2013;56(1):59-68. doi:10.1080/00140139.2012.733735.
- Irvin E, Greiner BA, Furlan AD, Montano C, Amick B, Van Eerd D, Mahood Q. Alcohol and drug screening of occupational drivers for preventing work-related injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012 CD010043-.
- Van Eerd D, Hogg-Johnson S, Cole DC, Wells R, Mazumder A. Comparison of occupational exposure methods relevant to musculoskeletal disorders: worker-workstation interaction in an office environment. Journal of Electromyography Kinesiology. 2012;22(2):176-185. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2011.12.001.
- Cole DC, Chen C, Hogg-Johnson S, Van Eerd D, Mazumder A, Wells R. Multivariate, longitudinal analysis of the impact of changes in office work environments on surface electromyography measures. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. 2012;85(5):493-503. doi:10.1007/s00420-011-0696-6.
Speaker Series presentations
- Return to work in Ontario police services: Current experiences and practices. IWH Speaker Series. October 18, 2022.
- Systematic review of workplace interventions to manage depression. IWH Speaker Series. January 30, 2018.
- Perspectives on using occupational health and safety research. IWH Speaker Series. February 17, 2015.
Interviews and articles
- Police service members face challenges with accommodation, communication and trust when returning to work after an injury. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 113, Summer 2023.
- ‘A new way to move people.’ Fewer injuries for health-care workers, more comfort for patients. Healthy Debate. March 15, 2023. Available from: https://healthydebate.ca/2023/03/topic/robotics-back-injuries-healthcare-workers/
- MSD prevention should consider role of gender and psychosocial hazards too. Workers Health & Safety Centre. March 8, 2022. Available from: https://www.whsc.on.ca/What-s-new/News-Archive/MSD-prevention-should-consider-role-of-gender-and-psychosocial-hazards-too
- Employees, leaders differ on mental health supports. Canadian HR Reporter. February 16, 2022. Available from: https://www.hrreporter.com/focus-areas/training-and-development/employees-leaders-differ-on-mental-health-supports/364085
- Setting up a temporary home office. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 100, Spring 2020.