Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported October 4, 2011
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.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. recalled This recall involves Ballard Designs "Stafford" step stools made of wood painted black or… - a moderate-severity action.
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 moderate-severity CPSC recall-Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to cons….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 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 CPSC action (record #12001) was formally reported on October 4, 2011. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 2,500.
The documented reason for this recall is: Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: 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 contactin… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction 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.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 2,500
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
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
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| 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? ▼
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.. Recalled by Ballard Designs, Inc. of Atlanta, Ga.. Units affected: About 2,500.
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? ▼
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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on October 4, 2011. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 12001.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (12001) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
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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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported October 4, 2011. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.