December 10, 2025 – A recent incident report details the unexpected collapse of a MAINSTAYS One-Step Folding Foot Stool, purchased from Walmart, after only four uses. The stool, rated for 300 pounds, failed while a user weighing under 200 pounds was standing on it, due to a broken hinge part. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on November 21, 2025, just two days after the MAINSTAYS One-Step Folding Foot Stool was purchased. The 12-inch plastic step stool was in use on an even, hardwood floor by a user weighing less than 200 pounds, well within the product’s stated 300-pound weight capacity. During its fourth use, a part of the hinge on the side of the stool suddenly broke, causing the entire stool to collapse unexpectedly. The user, fortunately, was not injured as a result of the collapse. The UPC for the product is 847539096308.
Safety Concerns
The sudden collapse of a step stool poses significant safety risks.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of falls and resulting injuries. A user on a collapsing stool can lose balance and fall, potentially leading to sprains, fractures, head injuries, or other trauma depending on the height and the landing surface. While no injuries were reported in this specific incident, the potential for serious harm is clear.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated use of a defective stool could lead to similar failures, increasing the cumulative risk of injury over time. Users might develop a false sense of security, assuming the stool is safe for tasks requiring elevated reach.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the stool is at risk, particularly adults performing household tasks like reaching high shelves, changing light bulbs, or cleaning. Children, if they were to use such a stool, could also be at risk of falls, potentially leading to more severe injuries due to their smaller size and developing bodies.
- Property Damage Potential: A sudden fall could also result in damage to surrounding objects, such as furniture, appliances, or items being carried by the user at the time of the collapse.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a MAINSTAYS One-Step Folding Foot Stool should take the following precautions:
- Immediately Cease Use: If you own this specific model of step stool, especially one with UPC 847539096308, stop using it immediately, regardless of whether you have experienced any issues.
- Inspect Your Product: Carefully inspect the hinges and structural components of your MAINSTAYS One-Step Folding Foot Stool for any signs of cracking, stress marks, loose parts, or other damage, even if it appears minor.
- Verify Product Identification: Check the product’s packaging or the stool itself for the MAINSTAYS brand name, model description (One-Step Folding Foot Stool, 12 inches high), and particularly the UPC (847539096308).
- Prevent Further Incidents: Do not attempt to repair a damaged stool, as this may compromise its structural integrity further. Dispose of the product safely, or contact Walmart for potential return or refund options.
- Report Incidents: If you have experienced a similar incident or any failure with this product, report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC gather vital information that could lead to a recall or further safety actions.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the report date, the manufacturer’s response to this specific incident is unknown.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.