Study: On The Right Track Cubicle Curtain System Reduces Hanging and Removal Time From Minutes to Seconds

MUNDELEIN, IL, Jun 29 (MARKET WIRE) --
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 Industries, Inc.

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,
Ill., 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.

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Media Contacts:
Jerreau Beaudoin
(847) 643-3011

Maggie Love
(847) 643-4047

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