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
- Tompa E, Foley M, Van Eerd D. Cost-benefit analysis for human factors. Institute for Work & Health; 2015.
- Ng MK, Yousuf B, Bigelow P, Van Eerd D. Effectiveness of health promotion programmes for truck drivers: a systematic review. Health Education Journal. 2015;74(3):270-286. doi:10.1177/0017896914533953.
- Mahood Q, Van Eerd D, Irvin E. Searching for grey literature for systematic reviews: challenges and benefits. Research Synthesis Methods. 2014;5(3):221-234. doi:10.1002/jrsm.1106.
- 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.
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.