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
- Interventions in health-care settings to protect musculoskeletal health: a systematic review. Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Completed.
- Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review. Funded by Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Completed. (PI on the project)
- Effectiveness of participatory ergonomics interventions: a systematic review. Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Completed.
- Return to work in policing: synthesizing current practices and implementation guidance. Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario. Completed. (PI on the project)
Publications
- Van Eerd D, Moser C, Saunders R. A research impact model for work and health. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2021;64(1):3-12. doi:10.1002/ajim.23201.
- Biswas A, Begum M, Van Eerd D, Smith PM, Gignac MA. Organizational perspectives on how to successfully integrate health promotion activities into occupational health and safety. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2021;63(4):270-284. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000002087.
- Van Eerd D, Bowring J, Jetha A, Breslin FC, Gignac MA. Online resources supporting workers with chronic episodic disabilities: an environmental scan. International Journal of Workplace Health Management. 2021;14(2):129-148. doi:10.1108/IJWHM-08-2020-0137.
- Van Eerd D, Irvin E, Le Pouésard M, Butt A, Nasir K. Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention: a practical implementation resource for Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Institute for Work & Health; 2020.
- Newman K, DeForge R, Van Eerd D, Mok YW, Cornelissen E. A mixed methods examination of knowledge brokers and their use of theoretical frameworks and evaluative practices. Health Research Policy and Systems. 2020;18:1. doi:10.1186/s12961-020-0545-8.
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
- 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.