For Immediate Release
Study: On The Right Track Cubicle Curtain System Reduces Hanging and Removal Time From Minutes to Seconds
System causes less physical stress on installer than traditional curtain systems
Monday, June 29, 2009 — Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, today announced the results of a study demonstrating that the On The Right Track (OTRT) cubicle curtain system can be hung and removed by healthcare workers in as little as 20 to 30 seconds versus 20 to 30 minutes for traditional systems. The study additionally showed that the OTRT system has the potential to significantly lower the risk factors of workplace ergonomics-related injuries as a result of less physical force exerted by the body over a shorter period of time.
The controlled study, conducted by ARC Health Management Solutions, was completed in response to the new Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Guidelines for employers and workers in the workplace established by the Ministry of Labor and the Province of Ontario. Medline is an authorized distributor of the On The Right Track cubicle curtain.
"Traditionally, the task of hanging cubicle curtains has included many hazards to be avoided – awkward body positions, overextended reaches, lifting, lowering and sustained or static exertions," said Steve Ogden, B.Kin., C.K., R.R.P., a certified kinesiologist for ARC Health Management Solutions. "The On The Right Track system allows employers to significantly reduce these MSD risks for their workers."
When hanging traditional cubicle curtains, workers are required to lift and manipulate curtain panels ranging in weight from 3 to 9 pounds while positioned on a ladder. This method requires over shoulder lifting and extended bi-laterally reaching, while at the same time, using wrist/ulnar deviation and fine motor skills for this same prolonged period of time while removing/hanging the hooks and grommets from the track and curtain panel. With the OTRT system, the curtain panel is hung onto the track/rail using a Grabber Tool, meaning that the worker is able to work within the waist to shoulder heights, minimizing or eliminating the need for any above shoulder work or extended reaching. Additionally, ladder usage can be totally eliminated with the OTRT system.
"One of the attributes is the ease of taking the OTRT curtains on and off the track. It takes seconds compared to minutes, which is a huge benefit to health care facilities as far as time and labor costs are concerned," said Christina Cho, product manager of the Interiors Divisions, Decorative Textiles. "With the traditional system facilities have to pay the individuals to get up on ladders, line up holes and hook grommets and carriers together. Just taking the time factor into consideration makes it a cost savings."
The On The Right Track cubicle curtain uses a patented split ring header system and comes in 69" standard panels and other custom sizes. It is convenient to hang and remove, which encourages frequent curtain replacement, a plus for infection control. Other features include snap panels for efficient change out, a Grabber Tool for easier reaching, a mesh top for fire safety, a whisper quiet operation for patient satisfaction and a wide selection of fabrics for matching decor.
About Medline
Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, IL, Medline has more than 800 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.
Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 250 major hospitals and health care systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities, and on-staff clinicians.
Medline has a growing network of 34 distribution centers around the country, as well as an expanding, dedicated transportation fleet with over 160 vehicles in a variety of sizes to fit customers' specific delivery needs. The fleet is equipped with the latest navigation devices for enhanced order tracking and communication.