The Environmental Improvement Project at Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting in Flin Flon, Manitoba, presented a unique opportunity for field observation and assessment. Field observation of the approximately 70 carpenters employed with various companies provided information on the types of communication used and the circumstances in which the different types were used. The work force included certified, noncertified, and apprentice carpenters from the local area, other northern centers, Winnipeg, and southern rural locations, as well as members transferred from other local unions in Saskatchewan. Both direct and comparative observations were made of the job site. Twelve carpenters were interviewed. Safety was a crucial area and placed additional demands on the reading, writing, mathematics, and communication skills of all levels of carpenters. Foremen read instructions and notices every day and also read tables, charts, diagrams, and blueprints. Carpenters' on-the-job reading focused on safety warnings. Writing was the domain of foremen. Hand signals were an important communication skill. Talking and listening on the job were the major form of communication. Math job skills included measuring, estimation, and addition and subtraction. Tape measure, framing square, and sliding t-squares were essential math-based tools. Carpenters were responsible for the safety of others. (Appendixes include a workplace literacy skill observation grid, interview form, and glossary.) (YLB)