Ballard Designs Recalls Step Stools Due to Fall Hazard

Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Recall #: 12001
Affected scope: About 2,500

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher. · Updated September 2026

Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. recalled This recall involves Ballard Designs "Stafford" step stools made of wood painted black or….

Ballard Designs Recalls Step Stools Due to Fall Hazard was recalled by Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. in October 4, 2011. Reason: Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to cons…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the four plastic tabs from the feet of their step sto…. Verify recall #12001 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. issued this CPSC recall-Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to cons….

None
agency class: October 4, 2011
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #12001 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Product description

This recall involves Ballard Designs "Stafford" step stools made of wood painted black or white. "Ballard Designs" is printed on a sticker under the bottom of the step. "Made in China" is printed on the underside bottom of the step stools. Also printed on the underside bottom of the step stools is one of the following five numbers: 100097963, 100099019, 100097230, 100100584 or 100102942. All recalled stools also have four plastic tabs affixed to the feet of the step stool.

Reason for recall

Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately remove the four plastic tabs from the feet of their step stools. Instructions are available online at www.ballarddesigns.com under the Product Safety page or by contacting Ballard Designs at the number below. Ballard Designs is directly contacting all known purchasers.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute	Value
Agency	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class	Not classified by agency
Status	Active
Recall number	12001
Date reported	October 4, 2011
Date initiated	October 4, 2011
Recalling firm	Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga.
Affected scope	About 2,500
Distribution	Not disclosed
Official source	CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately remove the four plastic tabs from the feet of their step stools. Instructions are available online a…

Check the recall number (12001) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled? ▼

Why was this product recalled? ▼

Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

What should consumers do? ▼

Which agency issued this recall? ▼

This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 4, 2011. CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for this recall. Recall number: 12001.

How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼

Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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This recall: CPSC, reported October 4, 2011. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026