Kennedy International recalls folding step stools due to fall hazard

WASHINGTON (CPSC) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Folding Step Stools

Units: About 1.6 million in the United States and 64,000 in Canada

Importer: Kennedy International Inc., of Dayton, N.J.

Hazard: The folding step stools can break or collapse unexpectedly when in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: This 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 are 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 the following colors: blue, green, gray, red, purple, pink, orange, turquoise, aqua, white, plum, orchid, emerald, sapphire, sangria, ocean, sage, fuchsia, lime and various color combinations.

Sold at: HomeGoods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and other retailers nationwide from January 2010 through January 2012 for between $8 and $12.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled step stools and contact Kennedy International to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: 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 .