The Labour Party says it will reintroduce check inspectors into most mines if it wins the November election.
Check inspectors are elected by workers and have the ability to order the immediate withdrawal of miners in dangerous conditions.
Labour Party leader Phil Goff says everything must be done to avoid another tragedy such as the deaths of 29 men at the Pike River mine.
He told the Council of Trade Unions conference in Wellington on Friday that a National Government removed the requirement for check inspectors in 1992, and miners themselves have called for them to be reinstated.
Mr Goff also says the party will examine how New Zealand and Australia could share oversight of mine safety standards and enforcement.
