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 and work disability, as well as on the implementation of workplace programs and practices. His research projects include evaluations of workplace musculoskeletal disorders and mental health practices/programs and their implementation, and evidence syntheses 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
- Understanding the relationship between osteoarthritis and work: a systematic review. Funded by WorkSafeBC. Completed.
- Effectiveness of workplace-based return-to-work programs: a systematic review update. Funded by Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research. Completed.
- Identifying and implementing current practices in supporting workers with depression. Funded by WorkSafeBC. Completed. (PI on the project)
- Prognostic factors for time away from work among workers with chronic low-back pain: a systematic review update. Funded by Manitoba Workers Compensation Board, Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario's Research Advisory Council. Completed.
- Strategies to support the appropriate use of prescription opioids: a systematic review. Funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research . Completed.
Publications
- Furlan AD, Irvin E, Kim J, Van Eerd D, Carnide N, Munhall C, Fortune M, Mahood Q, van Tulder MW. Impact of long-term opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain on misuse, abuse or addiction, overdose, falls and fractures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014 CD011062-. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011062.
- Cote P, Yang X, Kristman VL, Hogg-Johnson S, Van Eerd D, Rezai M, Vidmar M. The Association between Workers' Compensation Claims Involving Neck Pain and Future Health Care Utilization: A Population-based Cohort Study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2013;23(4):547-556. doi:10.1007/s10926-012-9415-8.
- 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.
- Hogg-Johnson S, Robson LS, Cole DC, Amick B, Tompa E, Smith PM, Van Eerd D, Mustard C. A randomised controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted occupational health and safety consultation or inspection in Ontario manufacturing workplaces. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2012;69(12):890-900. doi:10.1136/oemed-2011-100333.
Speaker Series presentations
- Understanding PTSI program implementation processes in Alberta first responder organizations. IWH Speaker Series. January 27, 2026.
- 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.
Research summaries
- Reviews show ergonomics’ role in MSD prevention. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, November 2006.