Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

58 MOTION STUDY completely overhaul a set of 300 horse-power boilers by this method, while the average cost of doing the same work on day work without an instruction card was sixty-two dollars.” In reading this, it must be remembered that the fatigue- eliminating devices were only one element in increasing speed and reducing costs. But, on the other hand, it must be remembered also what a large element they were in adding to the comfort and ultimate well-being of the worker. Surroundings “Surroundings” have been previously discussed under “Fatigue,” “Appliances,” etc. It is only necessary to say here that the surroundings of the worker should be standardized, the standard being derived from a study of all the variables. It is obvious that the highest possible records of output cannot be obtained unless the workers are furnished with a standard instruction card made out by the best man obtainable, one who knows more about their work than they do, and who can, and does, provide them with stand- ard conditions that fulfill the most economical conditions of motions. Even then daily outputs and unit costs must be watched, so as to take advantage of the slightest change of conditions that affect costs. In practice, the unit costs must always also include the wages of the recorder, other- wise one cannot tell when the wages of the recorders are not deceiving as to actual unit costs under this intensive management.