Recall of the Week: Kennedy International folding step stools due to fall hazard

By Rita R. Robison

13-inch folding step stools

Kennedy International is recalling about 1.6 million folding step stools in the United States and 64,000 in Canada.

The folding step stools can break or collapse unexpectedly when in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers, the company and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a joint statement.

Kennedy International is aware of at least 15 reports of incidents involving step stools cracking or breaking, including three reports of injuries to consumers using the stools. Injuries included two reports of back injuries and one report of a fractured leg.

9-inch folding step stools

The recall involves 9-inch and 13-inch Kennedy International folding step stools. The step stools are plastic and have a handle for carrying the stools when they’re folded.

The style number is 3575 for the 9-inch and 3576 for the 13-inch step stools. The style number is printed on a sticker on one of the legs of the stool. "Kennedy Home Collection" is also printed on a label on some of the stools.

They were sold in blue, green, gray, red, purple, pink, orange, turquoise, aqua, white, plum, orchid, emerald, sapphire, sangria, ocean, sage, fuchsia, lime, and color combinations.

Manufactured in China, the step stools were sold at HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and other retailers nationwide from January 2010 through January 2012. The price was $8 to $12.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Kennedy International to receive a full refund, the company and commission advise.

For additional information, contact Kennedy International toll-free at (855) 270-8301 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.kennedy-intl.com.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.

Copyright 2012, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Comments

[London Roofer]

Indeed, safety and precautionary measures should be taken. It's good that they recall it to avoid any accidents.

[Builders in Kent]

I agree, that kind of company deserves a thumbs up since they recall their defective product before it can harm anyone.