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 and work disability, as well as on the implementation of workplace programs and practices. His research projects include evaluations of workplace musculoskeletal disorders and mental health practices/programs and their implementation, and evidence syntheses 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)
- Understanding how new businesses start managing OHS: laying the groundwork for future interventions . Funded by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Ongoing.
- 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)
- 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, Cole DC, Keown K, Irvin E, Kramer D, Gibson J, Kohn M, Mahood Q, Slack T, Amick B, Phipps D, Garcia J, Morassaei S. Report on knowledge transfer and exchange practices: a systematic review of the quality and types of instruments used to assess KTE implementation and impact . Institute for Work & Health; 2011.
- Beaton DE, Van Eerd D, Smith PM, van der Velde G, Cullen KL, Kennedy CA, Hogg-Johnson S. Minimal change is sensitive, less specific to recovery: a diagnostic testing approach to interpretability. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2011;64(5):487-496. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.07.012.
- Van Eerd D, Cole DC, Irvin E, Mahood Q, Keown K, Theberge N, Village J, St Vincent M, Cullen KL. Process and implementation of participatory ergonomic interventions: a systematic review. Ergonomics. 2010;53(10):1153-1166. doi:10.1080/00140139.2010.513452.
- Irvin E, Van Eerd D, Amick B, Brewer S. Introduction to special section: systematic reviews for prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2010;20(2):123-126. doi:10.1007/s10926-010-9245-5.
- Kennedy CA, Amick B, Dennerlein JT, Brewer S, Catli S, Williams R, Serra C, Gerr F, Irvin E, Mahood Q, Franzblau A, Van Eerd D, Evanoff B, Rempel D. Systematic review of the role of occupational health and safety interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, signs, disorders, injuries, claims and lost time. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 2010;20(2):127-162. doi:10.1007/s10926-009-9211-2.
Speaker Series presentations
- Understanding PTSI program implementation processes in Alberta first responder organizations. IWH Speaker Series. January 27, 2026.
- 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.
Research summaries
- A bridge from the “ivory tower”: involving communities in research. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, November 2009.
- Ergonomics case study: Car parts manufacturer realizes benefits of PE program. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, July 2009.
- Tools you can use: A practical way to apply best evidence. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, February 2009.
- Resources and support are vital in a PE program. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, February 2008.
- IWH research adds to body of knowledge on MSDs. At Work article: Institute for Work & Health, November 2006.
Media coverage
- Workplace resistance training program helps reduce musculoskeletal disorders: study. Canada Chiropractor: Annex Business Media (Simcoe, ON). November 12, 2015. Available from: http://www.canadianchiropractor.ca/programs/workplace-resistance-training-program-helps-reduce-muskuloskeletal-disorders-study-4269
- Exercise to ease MSD pain. Health and Safety Report: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (Hamilton, ON). November 1, 2015. Available from: https://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2015/11/ezine.html