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
- Programs of early OHS intervention with small businesses. Funded by WorkSafeBC. Ongoing. (PI on the project)
- Return to work in policing: synthesizing current practices and implementation guidance. Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Ongoing. (PI on the project)
- Understanding how new businesses start managing OHS: laying the groundwork for future interventions . Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Ongoing.
- Developing recommendations for an integrated approach to workplace health protection and health promotion. Funded by Alberta OHS Future. Completed.
- MSD prevention: a practical implementation guide for Newfoundland and Labrador. Funded by Service Newfoundland. Completed. (PI on the project)
Publications
- Van Eerd D, D'Elia T, Ferron EM, Robson LS, Amick B. Implementation of participatory organizational change in long term care to improve safety. Journal of Safety Research. 2021;78:9-18. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2021.05.002.
- Brandt M, Wilstrup NM, Jakobsen MD, Van Eerd D, Andersen LL, Ajslev JZN. Engaging occupational safety and health professionals in bridging research and practice: evaluation of a participatory workshop program in the Danish construction industry. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(16):8498. doi:10.3390/ijerph18168498.
- Van Eerd D, Cullen KL, Irvin E, Le Pouésard M, Gignac MA. Support for depression in the workplace: perspectives of employees, managers, and OHS personnel. Occupational Health Science. 2021;5(3):307-43. doi:10.1007/s41542-021-00090-9.
- Gignac MA, Bowring J, Jetha A, Beaton DE, Breslin FC, Franche RL, Irvin E, MacDermid JC, Shaw WS, Smith PM, Thompson A, Tompa E, Van Eerd D, Saunders R. Disclosure, privacy and workplace accommodation of episodic disabilities: organizational perspectives on disability communication-support processes to sustain employment. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2021;31(1):153-165. doi:10.1007/s10926-020-09901-2.
- Van Eerd D, Irvin E, Harbin S, Mahood Q, Tiong M. Occupational exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder: a rapid review. Work. 2021;68(3):721-731. doi:10.3233/WOR-203406.
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.
- IWH research adds to body of knowledge on MSDs. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 46, Fall 2006.
- Reviews show ergonomics’ role in MSD prevention. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 46, Fall 2006.