The Maritime Sector

24THE GOOD PRACTICES OF LABOUR INSPECTION IN BRAZIL:cases, whenever labour inspectors deem more effective,preference can be given to offering guidance and tolerance. Forexample, before applying harsher measures, inspectors can tryto convince employers that from an economic standpoint it isworthwhile and more productive to comply with legal standardsand to prevent occupational hazards.Box 2: The Labour Prosecutions Office (MPT)THE MARITIME SECTOR• The MPT is responsible for the enforcement of the labour legislation andcan legally pursue action based on complaints submitted by the SIT/ MTEwhen it is considered that administrative measures must be complementedby judicial ones.• The complaints made by the SIT lead to the opening of a Civil Inquiry inwhich the object of the complaint can make a commitment to adjust itsactions and correct deviations or, in case an agreement is not reached,respond to a Public Civil Action in the Labour Justice.Source: www.mpt.gov.briii) Establishing constant social dialogue with partners inthe world of work. Maritime labour inspection in Brazil hassuccessfully employed National Tripartite Commissions, definedaccording to economic sectors, with aims to create an environmentfor the exchange of information between social partners. Thesecommissions may deal specifically with safety and health or theymay also encompass other aspects of legislation. Its main goal isto collaborate with labour authorities in the task of determiningand controlling the enforcement of regulations, orders or othermandatory measures. An important aspect of the TripartiteCommissions is the possibility of elaborating regulatory norms forthe promotion of safety and health in the sector.iv) The harmonisation of procedures in the whole country.In view of the extent of Brazilian territory and the variety ofsituations dealt with in the course of maritime labour inspections,it is crucial to ensure that procedures are consistent and coherent.In order to avoid that enterprises receive different treatment ineach state, which could potentially lead them to transfer to stateswhere inspection is more lenient, there must be a minimumof consistency and predictability of adopted procedures. Theharmonisation of procedures also implies in beneficial exchangesof information in which positive experiences can be disseminated