This paper describes the background research, development and application within the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of an audit technique for assessing the effectiveness of safety management systems at onshore major hazard sites. The work is driven by HSE＇s use of quantified risk assessment for formulating advice to local planning authorities on the siting of major hazards and the development of land in their vicinity. The work aims to assess whether it is possible to use the auditors＇ assessment of the standards of safety management such that the effects of different perceived standards can be incorporated into risk assessment procedures. Further development and research are now the subject of a research project, funded by the Commission of the European Communities (CEC).