The document outlines 11 principles of work simplification for occupational therapy: 1. Use symmetrical motions with both hands when possible. 2. Lay out work areas within normal reach and arrange supplies in a semicircle for easy access. 3. Slide heavy objects rather than lifting them, and use wheeled carts between non-contiguous counters. It provides guidelines for efficient storage, seated work positions, and creating a stress-reducing work environment. The principles aim to minimize effort, movement, and strain during work tasks.

1. PRINCIPLES OF WORK
SIMPLIFICATION
Shamima Akter
B.Sc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy & Masters in
Rehabilitation Science (enrolling)
Assistant Professor
Department of occupational therapy
Bangladesh health professions institute (BHPI)

2. Principle 1
• Use both hands to work with symmetrical
motions when possible

3. Principle 2
• Lay out work areas within normal reach. Work where
the areas of both hands overlap and arrange supplies
in a semicircle within easy reach.
• Plan storage within normal reaching ranges in the
working area.
• Arrange storage at first point of use; have extras of the
things you need at more than one work centre, for
example, measuring cups, spoons, knives, and so on.
• Create fixed workstations where there is a designated
location for each job so that supplies and equipment
can always be kept there ready for immediate use.

4. Principle 3
• Slide heavy objects rather than lifting and
carrying.
• For example, slide pots from sink to range.
Use a wheeled cart if counters are not
contiguous.

5. Principle 4
• Avoid holding and grasping; instead, use
utensils that rest firmly or suction cups or
clamps, so both hands are free to work.

6. Principle 5
• Let gravity work for you by using a laundry
chute, refuse chute, gravity-fed flour and
sugar bins, or a pan below the level of a
cutting board.

7. Principle 6
• Store small tools so that they are in the proper
position to grasp and start working
immediately.
• Store the beater so its handle can be grasped
in the left hand without shifting.

8. Principle 7
• Create efficient storage by using a pegboard
on the wall with hooks for hanging, magnetic
racks for knives and utensils storage, step
shelves to maximize tight spaces with less
reaching, and vertical storage racks.

9. Principle 8
• Have machine controls and switches within
easy reach.
• Change the location and position of the
switches by using extension cords and
minimize unplugging and plugging by using a
multiplug outlet or extension cord with a
single on-off switch.

10. Principle 9
• Whenever possible, sit to work in a comfortable
chair and adjust the work surface or chair height
for upright posture and forearm support.
• When you are seated, place feet flat on the floor
or use a footrest.
• Use a chair with back support, especially in the
lower back, use a support cushion where needed,
and slope the seat slightly to the back so that you
do not slide forward.
• Ensure enough knee room to allow you to face
the job to be done.

11. Principle 10
• Use the height appropriate for you, the worker, as well the
job.
• Jobs requiring hand activity need a higher work surface
than those requiring arm motion or pressure.
• Since body proportions differ, use individualized
measurements when possible.
• The arms and shoulders of a seated or standing person
should be relaxed without raising hands above the level of
elbows.
• A work surface a few inches lower than the elbows allows a
person to work without hunching the shoulders and
enables proper leverage for the work to be done.

12. Principle 11
• Create pleasant working conditions with a
minimum of stress and strain.
• Neutral lighting, halogen lighting, adequate
ventilation, comfortable clothing, pleasing
colors and music, windows looking onto
natural settings, and organization of the
environment facilitate this goal.