An integrated EFMEA-Fine-Kinney-PLS-SEM framework for health, safety and environmental risk management in Urban solid waste transfer stations.

PURPOSE: Urban waste transfer stations serve as critical infrastructure within municipal solid waste management systems, yet they introduce complex, interconnected health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks.

METHOD: This study proposes a novel, integrated framework combining Environmental Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (EFMEA), the Fine-Kinney method, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to systematically identify, prioritize, and validate HSE risks. The framework was demonstrated through a case study of two municipal waste transfer stations in Da Nang, Vietnam, utilizing a comprehensive census survey of 110 personnel and secondary operational data.

RESULTS

The risk analysis and structural modeling yielded three distinct sets of findings. First, regarding environmental risks (EFMEA), hazards such as hazardous gas emissions and biological contamination were predominantly categorized as "medium," signaling a critical need for enhanced containment control. Second, regarding occupational safety risks (Fine-Kinney), technical and mechanical hazards were generally maintained at "low" levels, indicating the effective impact of universal safety training at the stations. Third, PLS-SEM modeling analysis demonstrated that External Factors (β = 0.372, t-value = 4.672), Law and Regulation (β = 0.303, t-value = 3.145), and the Working Environment (β = 0.202, t-value = 2.332) exert significant associations with the adherence to and execution of HSE standards.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that enhancing HSE performance in countries with similar developing contexts necessitates robust regulatory enforcement and external stakeholder pressure alongside improvements in physical working conditions. This research provides a scientific foundation for decision-makers to develop evidence-based roadmaps for sustainable risk management in urban waste infrastructure with comparable operational and regulatory profiles.