Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

CHAPTER 111 VARIABLES OF THE SURROUNDINGS We turn now to the variables of the surroundings. These differ from the variables of the worker in that we can influence them more quickly and more directly. In discussing the variables of the worker, we deal more or less with the past and the future. The variables of the surroundings are each and all distinctly of the present. Appliances The “standard conditions” maintained by the employer are a most important factor for high outputs. It is obvi- ous that the appliances furnished the workman and the motions used are interdependent on each other. Examples. — i. The bricklayer could not be expected to pick up the brick so that he would not have to spin or flop it in his hand unless it were delivered to him in the right position on a packet. 2. The bricklayer could not be expected to have so high an output if he had to stoop over in order to pick up his stock as he would have to do if the scaffold did not have a bench that obviated bending. 3. The bricklayer could not be expected to lay brick without turning around or bending over unless he was provided with packs of bricks that could be lifted bodily 43