6WORKSIMPHCAoN

5.1 Meaning and Dolinition

5.2 Importance of Work Simplification
5.3 Mundel's Classes of Change
5.4 Techniques of Work Simplification
5.5 Application of Mundel's Classes to Household Activities

Let us discuss about Work Siraplitication Nodeller has defined work simplificatíon as
follows
Majority of household tasks are tedious,
monotonous, time consuming and require patience "Work simplification is the systematic
and various types of skills. lt is observed that procedure for analysis of work to
every individual is trying to conserve energy and a. Eliminate unnecessary work
time while doing such work. Hence, it becomes b. Arrange the remaining work in the best
necessary to know how to simplify the work order posible
by acquiring knowledge of work simplification. C. Standardize the proper work methods
If the methods of work performance are d. Establish accurate time-standards."
systematic, necessary equipment is efficient and
the work environment is suitable then According to Gilbreth, Thomas and
WoTK Clvmerthe term work simplification
can be simplified. Work simplification means is a
commonsense approach to make-work easier.
use of simple and easy method of working. To
Any type of work can be simplified by applying
accomplish maximum work WInin given ue scientific
and energy or spending minimum time or energy,
management of time and energy.
to accomplish both, a given amount of work, S. tnpo: are of Aork Simpliicatíon :
maintaining the sarne standard or quality of work, Many scientists have done time and motion
are the main principles of work simpliication. studies in the industrial field. It is. revealed
from these studies that some-times unnecessary
S.1 AaRnirg and Definition :
motions are made while working and extra time
Nickell and Dorsey defined Work
and energy is spent for those motions. If methods
simplification as "conscious seeking of of work are improved by reducing unnecessary
the simplest, easiest and quickest method motions while working, saving of time and
of doing work". In other words Work
energy is possible. At the same time there is
Simplification is defined as technique of
an increase in production. The experience is
accomplishing a task by using the least similar in household work. Hence different
amount of time and energy.
experiments were conducted to find 'out new
|According to Gross and Crandal, "Work methods of work to reduce fatigue. Conducive
Simplification is accomplishing more work environment, efficient equipment and simple,
with given amòunt of time and energy or easy, and rhythmic work methods can reduce
reducing the amount of either or both to expenditure of time as well as energy.
accomplish a given amount of work".
 Vork simplifcatlon appled In housathold Into fivo lovels and shown how wthoutbo made
oclua
work helps in many ways laborutory procoduro, Improvoment can
t mnhmizos work tlmo by olininntinn on tho lob through a curoful anolysis of What
dcossary movononts und bv nddina Is belng dono, The closses or typos aro glven
wo make
more effoctivo motlons, namos uccording to the place whero
2. Il reducos
energy
motions in work, Oxpondltura reducing
by the changc5.
Mundol has classiAed those changes Into
Individual does not get tirod, as the following types i
working method is slmple, easy and 1, Changes in body position and moion
more troublo-froa.
4. More work can be done 2. Changes in work arrangement and equipment
in given 3. Chonge in productlon sequence.
and energy as muscles involved intima 4. Change in finished product.
particular work are systematlcally and 5, Change in raw materlal.
efficlently used.
5.The work output is more, and 1. Changos in body position and motions :
constant
working is possible because of evaluation With changes carried out in body posture
and elimination of strenuous body and motions, time and encray can be saved.
6. It helps to inculcate tlme
posture. The worker should arrange the work place
in the worker,
consciousness so that most of his/her body is resting
7. whle both hands work rhythmically from
Motion-mindedness is created in the right to left. One should avoid walking
worker.
8. It reduces more while working. According to Goetz,
frustration resulting from lack Eldena, Sarah and Fitzsimmous, "classical
of effectiveness in work
performance. work simplification is based on motion
9. Worker learns easier working methods of
economy, which helps in reduction of time
a specific task. for household task". To apply the changes in
10. Worker develops the hablt of careful body position and motions while performing
observation and evaluation of own tasks, one can follows principles of motion
working method. economy for batter and effective result.
$.3 Miundet's Classes of Change The important Principles of Motion
The work simplification studies of household Econony arc as follows :
tasks have shown that improvement in work
Prinelpals of Motion Economy
methods is possible, and "best work methods"
can be developed for different house¬holds. Use both hands in unison
The improvement is possible by changing old
habits, which is not an easy and quick process Etfectlvo routlng
it requires intense desire and attitude for change.
Use of rhythmic motions of hand
Do You Know ?
Use smoller movements of hand than
The concept of classes of change was stated largo hand or arm motlons
by Dr. Marvin Mundel at Purdue University -Follow body mochanics whilo worklng
in 1940, Hence these changes are known as
Mundel's Classes of Change. Improveskil In any work to be
carrled out

Dr, Marvin Mundel has classified motions Fig. 5.1 Principles of Motion Economy
 Use both hands in unison : Wo do not in alignment
i) Keoping body partsparts
Whon various body ara correctly
think that we can work by using the left positioned, l.e, each centered over the
hand because wo aro habltuated to work by stability
bose of support, it results intopositions.
using the right hand. But if the right hand
is put to more vwork, aftor somo time its
in standing as well as in sitting
muscular
efficiency is reduced. Hence both hands are When any part gets out of line, balance
required to malntain body
effort is
to be used wherever possible for example in addition to whatever work
the body is
lifting a bag of articles, drying clothes etc. doing thus resulting into strain.
Efective routing : While performing any
task we must arrange the work centers in
such a way that one has to walk through the
shortest paths for the work and use them, so
that walking is reduced and energy is saved.
of time
Plan of work should be made ahead
during the
to reduce total distance vwalked
job. Major Body Woights in
When
Use of rhythmic motions of hand : Natural Alignment
repetitively,
one type of action is done Fig. 5.2 (a) Body Alignmont-Natural
It is called rhythm.
that action gets speed.
Gross and Crandall defined "Rhythm as a
muscular performance and with repetition
of movements at the same tempo", The
work is done quickly due to rhythm
because actions done one after another do
not require impulse every time. In repetitive
jobs like dish washing or mopping the floor,
rhythmic motions of hand should be used.
While cleaning utensils it becomes easy to The Unbalancod Position
clean one type of utensils at a time such as
collecting and cleaning all dishes or glasses Fig. 5.2 (b) Body Alignmont-Unbalancod
in continuity. ii) Using muscles effectively : Effective
r Use smaller movenents of hand than use of muscles is important in doing
large hand or arm motions : By using any househoid task. Sweeplng the floor
smaller movements of hand than large hand and lifting objects from the floor by back
motions or arm motions, worker's energy is bending is strenuous on the backbone.
saved, Similarly, using smooth movements Instead of bending to sweep, one can use
than jerky ones makes the work easler. along-handled broom and do the work
by standing erect and in a stable posture.
Use of body mechanics: If the worker
One can substitute leg muscles for back
follows principles of body mechanics, the
muscles when lifting weights or objects
energy requirement for particular lask can be from the floor. One can use the bending
reduced and work output can be increased.
posture by bending at knee and thigh
 joints and using the strong muscles of
legs.

Pushing Object
Fig. 5.4 (b) Bad Way of
defined as"farmiliar
iv) Skill in work: Skillis combined in
knowledge" which is
performance.
Fig. 5.3 (a) Good Way of Lifting Object practical application to work
carrying
It is essential to develop skill in
it helps
out the household chores, because
These skills
in eliminating extra motions.
sharing the
can be learnt by observation,
responsibilities with other workers in
the family, and getting familiar with the
work. When confronted with a task, trial
and error method is used haphazardly by
many of us. These methods are many
times ineffectivè and result into many
Fig. 5.3 (b) Bad Way of Lifting Object awkward motions. When the movements
ii) Consider Centre of gravity: Considering for any job fall into a smooth rhythm, the
the centre of gravity is of importance in efficiency of the home-maker improves.
lifting, supporting or carrying a load and
reaching to get an object. It is desirable 2. Changes in work arrangement and
to keep the load close to the body. As far equipment :
as possible keep the centre of the weight This includes re-arranging or modifying
of the object through the centre of the kitchen equipment, organizing storage space:
body and avoid twisting the body, The ensuring that the height and width of work
custom of carrying any load on the back spaces is suitable to the user; adding new,
modern and improved equipment and tools in
is an example of keeping the load close the
to body.
home etc. Before, buying any equipment,
its utility must be weighed against cost and
the ease with which it can be maintained. In
addition to acquiring the labour-saving devices,
it is necessary that devices should be placed
within reach and near at hand. Only then it can
be used regularly and comfortably.

Fig. 5.4 (a) Good Way of Pushing Object

t s R E E e n 0 n R R i n E E L U H 44 1.JOmHHDUy
 |Always Rerhember
surface must be
The height of the work
adapted to suit the worker.
and elsewhere
Storage areas in the kitchen to
being re-organized
are often capable of proceed better.
help the housework to
placed within
Fig. 5.5 (a) Horizontal Plane/ Items needed often should be
Sitting Posture place.
reach and at accessible
particular
Grouping of material required for a
energy.
job helps to save worker's
sequence : Work
3) Change in production confusion and
done haphazardly creates
are number of
causes delays. As there
such as
activities to be done in the home,
for school,
cooking, getting children ready
etc., each
packing lunch boxes, bed making
Fig. 5.5 (b) Vertical Plane/ activity should be followed up in a
sequence.
Standing Posture activities to be done
When there are many
5.5 Comfortable Working Area also think of
Fig. in ashorter time one must
Finding
combining or dovetailing of tasks, method
easier
the best order of work or the
practice
of doing a task and putting it intoexample,
saves both steps and motions. For
continuation of each
in cleaning the house,
process of sweeping, dusting, and mopping
helps to save
floor thrOughout the house
rhythm
time in handling of tools, develops work.
flow of
in work, and creates faster
Most families
4) Change in finished product :standards for
have certain preconceived
housekeeping. Habits are deeply in grained
Careful
and sometimes difficult to change.
homemaker and
thinking on the part of the
to
his/her ways of persuading the family
change
accept new ideas can permit them to
have
Some of their ways. The worker might
standards or
to change some of her or his
expectations about how the finished product
should be in appearance, taste, shape, size
etc. For example, if the finished product
without any fancy decoration is accepted by
simpliñed.
Fig. 5.6 : Arrangement of Work Place the family then it makes the task
isitieuat 45 unofotstustusLE
 5) Change in raw motions. These techniques Include Micro
refers to the rawmaterial: T}his change
ingredlents used In a Motlon and Memo Motion Fllm Analysis,
product keeping the final Cycle-graph, and Stop Watch.
example, using paper napkinsproduct same. For
in place of clolh Micro Motion and Mermo Motion Film
napkins saves the efforts of cleaning.
ready to use mixes Using Analysis These two techniques are
available
certain recipes, or even buying
in market-for
primarily used for detail and accurate
products such as spices, sproutedready-made analysis of the task. The tasks which
pulses, or frozen foods and clothesbeans and can be easily filmed are analyzed by
new fibers may be easier to made of these techniques. In this, motion picture
traditional materials. maintain than or video film of task is prepared under
A normal working condition. This recording
combinationof these five types of changes,
careful and imaginative thinking, of work is further analyzed by an expert
to modify existing work willingness person. According to needs, it can be
get the support of the habits and ability to rechecked by multiple persons also.
way towards making thefamily will go a long
tasks of the worker These techniques are useful in analyzing
easier, quicker and more motions of hand or other parts of body.
NA 5.4 Techniques of Work satisfying. These techniques are very expensive and
Work simplification isSimplification: generally not used to study household
motion and time study. primarily based on task.

methods of an Improvement in work

Cycle-graph: It is a photographic
individual is possible
observing, recording and analysing through
various
device. Cycle graph is used to register
motions.of worker while working. There are
the pathway of light projected by a
variety of techniques which Could be used to Small electric bulb attached to some
study motion and time required for part of the body. The graph of the task
of task. These technigues are completion plotted by device shows the pattern ot
classified in two movements, like smooth and rhythmic or
major categories :
Formal Techniques and Informal non-rhythmic motions. For example;
Techniques. while ironing, small electric bulb is
Techniques of Work
attached to hand to register the pathway
Simplifcation of the activity. This technique is effective
in studying ways of reduction in motions
Formal -Informal and method of
Technlques Techniques/Paper
Pencil Techniques
improvement in work.
" Stop Watch : Stop watch is used to
Process Operatlon Pathway record the time needed to complete
Chart Chart Chart
the specific task, It can be used with
Mero nd Cycle
Merne Motion
Fm Analysh graph
Stop
Watch
other techniques also. This technique
is effective in creating time
awareness
Fig. 5.6 Techniques of Work Simplification among worker.
Formal Techniques : Formal Techniques > Informal Techniques: These simple
require specific equipment and devices. techniques of work simplification are known
These techniques are more accurate, as Paper Pencil techniques. According to its
effective and scientific in way of studying name, simple paper and pencil used to
nl4 46
 record the motions while performing activity.
These are commonly used to study varioUs
household tasks. Some of these techniques
are Pathway Chart, Process Chart, and
Operation Chart
Do you know ?
Frakn B, Gibreth and Lillian M., Gilbreth,
American Industrial Psychologist, invented
the script of motion and time study by using
signs, symbols and. abbreviations. They have
termed these as "Therblig", It is a reversal
of their name Gilbreth. Fig, 5.7 (b) Pathway Chart Improved
" Pathway Chart: It is also known as pin " Process Chart : It is a step by step
and. thread/string method. Floor plan of description of method of work used by
work place drawn in scale and proportion, worker. It grossly analyses the movements
soft board, pins, and thread are required of worker, activity in general and is useful
to prepare a pathway chart. Initially, floor in identifying unnecessary movements.
plan is placed on soft board and pins are Following symbols are used for
fixed on the activity centres where worker preparation of process chart.
turns while working. The movements or
path of the workers travelled during work Sr. Symbols Meaning Description of
are recorded by winding thread around the No. symbols
specific pins. After completion of the task, Movement from
Small
thread is removed from the floor plan 1. one place to
Circle
and distance travelled by the worker is another place
measured from the thread used. Further,
2.
Big Operation
this process is analysed, revised floor plan Circle
is prepared by adopting suggestions and Quality
,improved pathway chart is prepared. To 3. Square Inspection with
draw the conclusion of study, length of
eyes
the thread is compared.
4. Triangle Delay

Movement
Circle in
5.
circle
and operations
simultaneously
Fig. 5.8 Symbols of Process Chart
At least two persons are required to prepare
the process chart, one for doing the work and
another one to observe and note down the
same. Analysis of work is done by counting
Fig. 5.7 (a) Pathway Chart - Original
 bending at the
muscles. If it is too low can
repetitions of each symbol which is further necessary and
used for identification of errors in movement back might become
cause back pain.
and specifc points where Improvement is activity, itshould
needed. One can effectively use this chart for > Ifa stand is used for
improvement in work process by avoiding be of proper height. should be put
dried
unnecessary trips from one place to another and > The clothes to be bucket should be
delays in working. this
in a bucket and
height.
Operation Chart : Operation chart is used placed on a stool of proper
sweeping the
b. Sweeping the fioor;While
to study hand movements only. More detalled
study of right and left hand;operations is ffoor the following points must be kept
possible by the use of this' chart. Three in mind:
symbols are used in this chart-small circle be
for hand movements, large circle denotes A.thick. and long broom should
stroke.
used to COver more area in one
movernent of fngers and hand tougher and
triangle indicates idieness of both fingers part of the floor should be thoroughly
> A
and hand. Minimum three persons are cleaned and only once.
required to prepare the operation chart; one > The movements involved should be
for observing right hand operations, other smooth, rhythmic and minimum.
for observing left hand operations and the > The arrangement of furniture should
worker who performs task. Two separate be done thoughtfully so as to cause
charts are used to study the right and left no obstruction in sweeping.
hand movements.
.c. Mopping the fioor : While mopping the
Following figure shows the meaning and floor following points must be kept in
description of symbols used in operation chart. mind:
Sr. Symbols Meaning Description of > A long handled mop should be used
No. symbols to avoid bending at the back.
1.
Smal! Movement of > The mop should be of good quality
Circle Hand either of sponge or of good absorbent
Movement of material.
2. Big fingers and While mopping the floor, the motions
Circle
hand tougher should be rhythmic.
ldieness of both d. Cutting vegetables: While cutting or
3 Triangle fingers and chopping vegetables following points
hand must be kept in mind :
Fig. 5.9 Symbols of Operation Chart Use a good quality knife with a sharp
and sturdy blades.
5.5 Application of Mundet's Ciasses of
Change in Household Activities : The knife should have agood handle
for giving a good grip to hold it.
a. Drying clothes : While drying clothes
foliowing points must be kept in mind: s Use a good quality chopping board.
The rod or rope used for drying ciothes > Place. it near the preparation counter
should be at proper height. If it is too in the kitchen which is the first place
high it will create fatique for shouider of its use.

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