Folding Step Stool Recall Issued Due To Risk of Sudden Collapse

About 1.6 million Kennedy International folding step stools have been recalled in the United States, after reports suggest that they may break or collapse unexpectedly. 

The Kennedy International step stool recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada on May 10, after at least 15 reports were received of the step stools breaking or cracking.

Three consumers were reportedly injured when their step stools broke, with two suffering back injuries and one suffering a fractured leg. The CPSC has determined that the step stools pose an unreasonable fall hazard for consumers.

The recall affects 9-inch Kennedy International folding step stools with style number 3575 and 13-inch Kennedy International folding step stools with style number 3576. The step stools are made of plastic, have a carrying handle when folded and come in the colors blue, green, gray, red, purple, pink, orange, turquoise, aqua, white, plum, orchid, emerald, sapphire, sangria, ocean, sage, fuchsia and lime, as well as in combination colors. The style number is located on a sticker on one of the legs. Some also have a label with “Kennedy Home Collection” printed on them.

The recalled step stools were sold at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and other retail stores nationwide for between $8 and $13 from January 2010 through January 2012.

The CPSC recommends that consumers who have the affected stools stop using them immediately and contact Kennedy International to receive a full refund. Consumers with questions can call Kennedy International at (855) 270-8301 or can visit the company’s website at www.kennedy-intl.com.