• how workers make calculations (in their heads, using pen and paper, using calculators, using computers)
• the need to use specific measurement tools to measure time, weight or mass, distance, liquid volume, temperature, pressure, wattage, volts, angles, density, etc.
• the measurement system used – Imperial or System International (SI) and the need to perform measurement conversions between systems.
• the types of measurement units used (e.g., hours, kilograms, kilometres, cubic metres, degrees, litres, metres, kilohertz, calories, etc.) and the need to perform measurement conversions within the same measurement system.

Imperial vs. System International (SI):

Both Imperial and SI are systems of measuring units. Each system identifies official units of measure which can be used in jurisdictions where each system is designated. Many people mistakenly believe that there is a system of measurement in Canada called the metric system; in fact, SI became Canada’s official measurement system in 1970.

Oral Communication

Oral Communication refers to the use of speech by workers to exchange thoughts, ideas and information. It also refers to listening as part of the communication process and to the use of hand signals as a support to oral communication. Types of oral communication:

• listening with little or no interaction (listening to voice mail)
• speaking with little / no interaction (making announcements, leaving voice messages)
• interacting with co-workers and colleagues
• interacting with subordinates
• interacting with supervisors
• interacting with clients, customers, the general public
• interacting with outside agents such as suppliers or service people
• participating in group discussions
• presenting information to large or small groups

Oral communication can involve exchanges that occur in person, via the telephone, by radio, and increasingly over the Internet through Voice Over IP.