Objective:
By the end of this post, the reader should be able to:
· Explain "work simplification" and its uses in controlling time and energy use.
· Organize work in the home to reduce time and energy.
WORK SIMPLIFICATION
Work
simplification is a process of analyzing tasks or activities to remove
unnecessary movements to save time and energy. It is therefore a process of
reducing the amount of time and energy required to accomplish a given piece of
work. OR to accomplish more work with a given amount of energy and time. It is
the simplest, quickest and easiest way of doing things. Its goal is to conserve
time and energy.
Purpose of Work Simplification
(i)
To reduce the amount of time required for a given job.
(ii) To cut down the number of
motions or movements and improve the type of motions on a specific task.
(iii) To reduce the overall
frustrations, boredom or fatigue resulting from the monotony of long,
accustomed and routine habits of house work.
(iv) To afford the individual
enough time for rest and leisure.
Organization of Household Activities
It
is the way in which individuals and families carry out activities in the home.
Individuals and families differ in their values, needs and goals and therefore
their organization also differs in aims and effect. Resources available to
individuals and families also differ. However, with o through effective
organization, individuals and families can make maximum use of their resources.
To ensure Effective Organization of Household Activities the Following Must be Done:
(i) Identify the tasks that
are carried out in the home.
(ii) Make a list of the tasks,
for example cooking, washing of dishes, scrubbing the floor, etc.
(iii) Make a plan for carrying
out the activities as follows;
·
Determine the time span
for the activities.
·
Sort out the tasks into
those that are done daily, weekly and occasionally.
·
Indicate time needed for
carrying out the various activities.
(iv) Arrange the activities in
the order that they should be carried out. Indicate resources available for
each activity including tasks to be carried out by each member of the family.
(v) Put plan into action by
making sure that tasks are carried out as planned and where possible the
necessary adjustments be made taking into consideration the desired goals.
Work Simplification Techniques
Work
can be simplified in the home by adopting some of the following techniques.
(i) Omit unnecessary tasks by
combining some stages of work or leave some out altogether.
(ii) Plan tasks, so that jobs,
done sitting down will alternate with those done while standing.
(iii) Plan the order in which
you work to avoid having to move forward and backwards.
(iv) The workers clothing
should be suitable for work so that it does not interfere with good posture and
body motions (movements).
(v) The worker can arrange to
accomplish more than one task at a time. E.g., one can make yam and stew at the
same time on a two-burner stove or cooker.
(vi) Place items so that they
are easy to see, reach, grasp and replace. This reduces mental and physical
effort, time and dissatisfaction.
(vii) Use appropriate tools or
equipment for a task.
(viii) Store frequently used
items at place of first use. This requires an analysis of work done at a
particular area to know, what items are used to do the work e.g., Sponge and
soap for dishwashing should be stored by the sink.
(ix) Use labor-saving devices
or equipment such as blenders vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc.
(x) Change or improve the
materials or tools used for cooking., using a sharp knife to cut.
(xi) Use both hands to work
and divide motions between them as equally as possible. E.g., putting
away dishes with two hands.
(xii) The worker must have some
rest period during the day in order to eliminate physical fatigue.
(xiii) Correct working heights
help make tasks easy to perform. Correct heights for tables and chairs may vary
with the size and height of individual workers.
SSCE, WASCE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON
l. a. What is work
simplification? (Nov 1994)
Work
simplification is a process of analyzing tasks or activities to remove
unnecessary movements to save time and energy. It is therefore a process of
reducing the amount of time and energy required to accomplish a given piece of
work.
b.
What is its purpose in household management?
(i) To reduce the amount of
time required for a given job that is to save time and energy.
(ii) Cut down the number of
motions or movements on a specific task.
(iii) To reduce frustration and
boredom or fatigue resulting from routine habits of work.
(iv) To improve work methods.
c. You have been asked to
prepare and serve supper within two hours. List seven specific actions you will
take to conserve time and energy and yet meet this goal.
(i) Omit unnecessary tasks.
(ii) Plan the order in which
you work to avoid having to move forwards and backwards.
(iii) Put rhythm in work e.g.,
in washing dishes.
(iv) Change or improve the
materials or tools used for cooking e.g., using a sharp knife to cut.
(v) Assembly all tools or
equipment, materi21s and ingredients needed before starting.
(vi) Use appropriate tools and
equipment for the task.
(vii) Work at appropriate
heights or within your
limit.
(viii) Use labor saving device, such as blender.
EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS
l.
a. What is work simplification?
b.
State four purposes of work simplification.
2. Mention / give FOUR
benefits of organization of household activities.
3. Explain FIVE ways by
which work can be simplified in the house.
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