January 6, 2026 – A consumer has reported experiencing a significant safety issue with a Werner ALMP-201 ladder, mirroring defects identified in CPSC Recall #25-431. The incident highlights potential concerns regarding the scope of an existing recall and the safety of similar ladder models not currently included. Despite the consumer’s diligence and the absence of injury, the incident underscores the critical importance of secure locking mechanisms on ladders.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident occurred within a year of the consumer purchasing a Werner ALMP-201 ladder from Home Depot. The consumer reported significant difficulty both securing and unlocking the ladder’s locking mechanism. These issues—specifically, the mechanism jamming and failing to fully lock into place—are precisely the problems cited in CPSC Recall #25-431, which addresses similar defects in other Werner ladders.
The consumer meticulously compared their ladder to the recall notice pictures received from the retailer and found that the images depicted their specific ALMP-201 model, despite their ladder not being explicitly listed in the recall. After checking the official online recall notice, they confirmed the ALMP-201 was indeed excluded. Recognizing the identical nature of the defect experienced, the consumer strongly believes the existing recall may need to be expanded to include the ALMP-201 model. Fortunately, the consumer’s extreme caution while using the ladder prevented any injuries during the incident.
Safety Concerns
The reported issue with the Werner ALMP-201 ladder’s locking mechanism presents several severe safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: A locking mechanism that jams or fails to fully engage can lead to the ladder collapsing or becoming unstable during use. This poses an immediate and grave risk of falls from height, which can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, fractures, concussions, internal injuries, or even death. The danger is particularly high if a user is at the top of the ladder when the mechanism fails.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if a fall doesn’t occur, repeated instability can lead to chronic pain from minor strains or sprains. Serious injuries from falls can result in long-term disability, extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and significant loss of income.
- Who Might Be Affected: Homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional tradespeople who rely on ladders for various tasks are all at risk. Anyone using a ladder with a faulty locking mechanism, especially if they are unaware of the defect, could be severely impacted. Children or pets in the vicinity of a collapsing ladder could also be injured.
- Property Damage Potential: A sudden ladder collapse can also cause significant property damage. Tools, materials, or the user themselves falling from height can damage flooring, walls, equipment, or other personal belongings below, leading to costly repairs and replacements.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Werner ALMP-201 ladder or any Werner ladder that exhibits similar locking mechanism issues should take immediate action to ensure their safety:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you own a Werner ALMP-201 ladder, or any Werner ladder that you suspect has a faulty locking mechanism, immediately stop using it. Do not attempt to force the mechanism or bypass the issue.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Visually inspect your Werner ladder’s locking mechanisms. Carefully check if they fully engage and disengage smoothly. Look for any signs of sticking, jamming, or incomplete locking. Even if your specific model (like the ALMP-201) is not explicitly listed in CPSC Recall #25-431, compare your ladder’s locking mechanism to the descriptions and images provided in the recall notice to see if it matches the described defect.
- Prevention Measures: Always perform a pre-use inspection of any ladder, ensuring all locking mechanisms are fully engaged and secure before climbing. Test the ladder’s stability at a low height before ascending. If you notice any defect, do not use the ladder.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience similar issues with a Werner ALMP-201 or any other ladder model, it is crucial to report it. You can file an incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Additionally, contact Werner Co. directly to make them aware of your experience and express your concerns regarding a potential recall expansion. Your report helps identify patterns and prompt necessary safety actions.
Manufacturer’s Response
Werner Co. has provided a response to this incident report, indicating “Yes.” However, the detailed content of their response is not available in the incident report. Consumers seeking more information or assistance should contact Werner Co. directly.
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.