Folding step stools recalled due to break dangers

Consumer Reports News: May 11, 2012 11:38 AM

Over 1.6 million folding step stools from Kennedy International Inc. of Dayton, N.J., are being recalled. The Kennedy stools can break or unexpectedly collapse during use warns, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and its Canadian counterpart, Health Canada.

According to the CPSC, Kennedy International has received at least 15 reports of its folding step stools cracking or breaking. Three of those incidents involve injuries to users, including a report of a fractured leg.

Safety experts at Consumer Reports note that there have been safety issued with other, non-folding step stools such as the recall of Ballard Design stools and Target's recall of 341,000 stools. For safety tips on preventing falls and injuries while at home, check out Is your home a hazard?

Roughly 1.6 million Kennedy Folding Step Stools in the U.S. and another 64,000 in Canada were sold at retailers such as HomeGoods, Marshalls and TJ Maxx for about $8 and $12 from January 2010 to January 2012.

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled step stools immediately and contact Kennedy International (toll-free: 855-270-8301) for a full refund.

Sources:
Kennedy International Recalls Folding Step Stools Due to Fall Hazard [CPSC]
Consumer Product Recalls [Health Canada]

—Paul Eng