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.
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 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
- Synthesizing and tailoring OHS knowledge for use in specific provincial and local contexts. Funded by Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba's Workplace Research and Innovation Program. Completed.
- 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)
Publications
- Cole DC, Wells R, Ferrier S, Hogg-Johnson S, Kennedy CA, Lee H, Manno M, Moore A, Polanyi M, Shannon HS, Subrata P, Swift M, Van Eerd D. Interventions for musculoskeletal disorders in computer-intense office work: A framework for evaluation. Work and Stress. 2002;16(2):95-106.
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
- Ergonomics case study: Car parts manufacturer realizes benefits of PE program. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 57, Summer 2009.
- Tools you can use: A practical way to apply best evidence. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 55, Winter 2009.
- Resources and support are vital in a PE program. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 51, Winter 2008.
- Reviews show ergonomics’ role in MSD prevention. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 46, Fall 2006.
- IWH research adds to body of knowledge on MSDs. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 46, Fall 2006.