TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractHealth, safety and environment (HSE) management systems are increasingly common as operating and service companies follow the recommendations of the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (formerly E & P Forum) and establish a structured system for managing HSE. The elements of a management system can be described as empty shells that, when filled with the proper tools, have a significant impact on reducing incident rates in companies that implement the system. The Schlumberger HSE management system follows the structure of the seven basic elements of the OGP model, but it includes one additional element, contractor and supplier management. As written, the management system has little impact on the safety performance of the company. It is the proper implementation of the programs, standards and policies making up each element that allows a company to provide a cohesive, structured system to ensure risk reduction, loss prevention and continuous improvement.Schlumberger Gulf Coast operating locations have transformed the abstract structure of the Schlumberger HSE management system document into reality through the implementation of company-wide guidelines and programs, supplemented with local standards. In several instances, these programs draw from the best management practices of major operating companies within the Gulf Coast. To verify the effectiveness of the system, BP Amoco conducted Advanced Safety Audits in three Schlumberger operating locations.To understand an HSE management system, each element must be examined from a standpoint of what the book says as well as what is actually taking place in a location to make that element work. The Advanced Safety Audit process used by BP Amoco is an effective tool for accomplishing this task. All elements of the management system, starting with the most important, commitment and leadership, are evaluated to assess the real effectiveness of a HSE management system. Finally, no system can be considered truly effective unless it is supported by results. The improvement in the Schlumberger Gulf Coast HSE performance over the past 12 months is directly attributable to the enthusiastic implementation of this management system by employees of Schlumberger Gulf Coast operating locations.