Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

VARIABLES OF THE SURROUNDINGS 47 can best be recognized by painting them different colors. 2. The right-hand end of the packet is painted black, in order that when carried in the right hand of the laborer it can be placed so that the bricklayer can pick up each brick without spinning or flopping the brick in his hand. 3. Painting tools different colors, and also the place where they are to be placed in the drawer or the chest the same color, saves motions and time of motions when putting them away and finding them next time. 4. When low-priced men bring packages of any kind to higher-priced men to use or handle, the packages should always be painted, stenciled, or labeled with a distinguish- ing color on one end and on top. This will enable the low-priced workman to place the package in the manner called for on the instruction card with the least thought, delay, and motions. It will also enable the high-priced man to handle the package with no such lost motions as turning the package around or over. 5. Oftentimes the workmen who are best fitted phys- ically for their work cannot read, or at least cannot read English. Even if they could, it would take some time to read the stenciled directions on the non-stooping scaffold to the effect that “this side goes against the brick wall.” It will greatly reduce the number of motions to paint the side that goes next to the wall a different color from the side that goes away from the wall.