By Jacquelyn L. Dennis
MONROVIA, Liberia – A legal battle over a workplace injury at Sethi Ferro Fabrik, Inc. is underway at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County. Factory worker Josephus Parson has filed a lawsuit against the steel manufacturing company, alleging gross negligence that resulted in the loss of three fingers on his right hand. The case is being presided over by Assigned Circuit Judge Boima Kontoe.
Background of the Case
Parson, who has been employed by Sethi Ferro Fabrik since May 2020 as a helper in the Pollution Central Department, suffered the injury on January 14, 2025, during a night shift. According to court filings, Parson was instructed to clean a factory motor—a task that required strict adherence to safety protocols.
Parson claims that before starting the job, he sought assurance from his supervisor that the machinery had been fully powered down. He says he was told it was safe to proceed. However, as he attempted to remove a rope from the motor using his bare hands, the machine unexpectedly activated, severing three fingers.
The worker’s lawsuit alleges that Sethi Ferro Fabrik failed to implement and enforce adequate safety measures, including proper lockout/tagout procedures, which could have prevented the accident. Parson is seeking damages, asserting that the injury has not only caused physical harm but also affected his livelihood.
Company Denies Responsibility
Sethi Ferro Fabrik, Inc., in response, has denied any liability, claiming that Parson’s injury resulted from his own failure to follow established safety guidelines. According to company statements, Parson did not switch off the circuit breaker before working on the motor, which is designed to automatically activate every three minutes.
The company further contends that Parson acted recklessly and against procedure, and has submitted an incident report along with statements from co-workers to support its position. The management also disputes Parson’s claim that a supervisor verbally cleared him to proceed, describing it as “false and misleading.”
Legal and Workplace Implications
The case has drawn attention to workplace safety standards in Liberia’s industrial sector, particularly regarding compliance with safety protocols in factories. Legal experts note that the outcome could have broader implications for how employers ensure worker protection and accountability.
As the trial progresses, Judge Kontoe will examine testimonies, incident reports, and other evidence to determine whether Sethi Ferro Fabrik can be held responsible for Parson’s injury or if the company’s claim of worker error will prevail. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing workplace safety in Liberia and raises questions about the responsibilities of employers in preventing industrial accidents.
