Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

VARIABLES OF THE MOTION 83 Example. — We have found that the most economical height for laying brick is twenty-four inches above where the bricklayer stands, while it is most economical to pick the brick from a height about three feet above where the bricklayer stands; that is, about one foot higher than the top of the wall where the brick is to be laid. The path is affected by the direction that the material is to be shoved as it moves into its final resting place. Examples. — When the packet is placed on the wall it should be placed so that the brick can be picked up and moved in a comparatively straight line with the direction that the brick will be shoved for filling a joint. In theory the ideal path would be in a line of quickest speed from the stock platform to the wall. In practice it is seldom that the most economical path for carrying a brick or mortar from the stock platform to the wall is exactly a straight line from one to the other. It will generally be most economical to move the brick in the path that will bend the arms the least and that will permit almost a swing from the shoulder. Playing for Position Each motion should be made so as to be most eco- nomically combined with the next motion, like the bil- liard player who plays for position. The direction in which a motion is made may affect the time required for a subsequent motion. Example. — In laying brick the motion of placing the