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
- 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
- Gignac MA, Irvin E, Cullen KL, Van Eerd D, Beaton DE, Mahood Q, McLeod CB, Backman CL. Men and women's occupational activities and the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or hands: a systematic review and recommendations for future research. Arthritis Care and Research. 2020;72(3):378-396. doi:10.1002/acr.23855.
- Van Eerd D, Smith PM, Vu U. Implications of an aging workforce for work injury, recovery, returning to work and remaining at work. OOHNA Journal. 2019 30-36. Full text.
- Yanar B, Amick B, Lambraki I, D'Elia T, Severin C, Van Eerd D. How are leaders using benchmarking information in occupational health and safety decision-making?. Safety Science. 2019;116:245-253. doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2019.03.016.
- Van Eerd D. Knowledge transfer and exchange in health and safety: a rapid review. Policy and Practice in Health and Safety. 2019;17(1):54-77. doi:10.1080/14773996.2018.1508116.
- Furlan AD, Carnide N, Irvin E, Van Eerd D, Munhall C, Kim J, Li CMF, Hamad A, Mahood Q, Macdonald S. A systematic review of strategies to improve appropriate use of opioids and to reduce opioid use disorder and deaths from prescription opioids. Canadian Journal of Pain. 2018;2(1):218-235. doi:10.1080/24740527.2018.1479842.
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.