If you bought a Werner Multi-Max Pro ladder at Home Depot between November 2021 and February 2024, inspect it now.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall on August 14, 2025 for about 122,250 ladders because the locking mechanism can jam and not fully lock, creating a fall hazard.
Werner reports 18 falls and 14 injuries, including fractures and head injuries.
Owners should stop using the ladder, confirm the model, and register online for a full refund after disposal.
What is the Home Depot ladder recall about?
The recall covers Werner’s 20-foot and 24-foot Multi-Max Pro multi-purpose ladders (models ALMP-20IAA and ALMP-24IAA).
The lock can jam and fail to secure, which can toss users to the ground.
The ladders are silver with a blue top, blue side-rail label, and a long black rope on the back.
[Definition] Locking mechanism: The latch system that secures a ladder’s sections.
If it jams or doesn’t fully seat, the sections can shift or collapse under load.
How do I check if my Werner ladder is part of the recall?
Look for a blue label on the side rail. If it lists ALMP-20IAA or ALMP-24IAA, your ladder is recalled.
These were sold at Home Depot stores and HomeDepot.com from November 2021 through February 2024, typically for $200–$281.
Stop using it and start the refund process.
Why is this recall important for homeowners and contractors?
The most important point: the defect can cause sudden, unexpected falls.
CPSC lists 18 fall incidents and 14 injuries tied to the recalled ladders.
Falls from heights remain a leading killer in construction, and portable ladders and stairs were the primary source in 109 construction job fatalities in 2023, underscoring the risk.
[Statistics — Data Callout]
- 122,250 ladders recalled on August 14, 2025.
- 18 reported falls; 14 injuries (bruises, lacerations, fractures, head injuries).
- In 2023, construction had 1,075 work fatalities; falls, slips, and trips were 39.2% (421). Portable ladders/stairs were the primary source in 109 deaths.
What models are affected and which are not? How do they differ?
The key difference is the model number and design.
Only two Multi-Max Pro models are recalled; shorter sizes with a different design are not included.
Comparison table — Recalled vs. not recalled
- Recalled: ALMP-20IAA (20 ft), ALMP-24IAA (24 ft); hazard: lock can jam; action: stop use and get refund.
- Not recalled: ALMP-16IAA, ALMP-18IAA currently sold; different design; action: no recall, use per instructions.
What exactly should I do to get a refund and stay safe?
Follow this simple process today.
- Stop using the ladder. Place it out of service.
- Confirm the model on the blue side-rail label (ALMP-20IAA or ALMP-24IAA).
- Register at Werner’s recall page to receive disposal instructions and refund details.
- Dispose of the ladder as instructed. After verification, Werner issues a full refund by check.
- Replace with a non-recalled ladder that meets your load rating and task. Keep proof of purchase and your refund paperwork.
How do similar ladder recalls compare to this one?
Past recalls show that hinge, step, or lock issues can lead to sudden failure:
- 2018 Werner recall: ~78,000 multi-purpose telescoping aluminum ladders could break during use; full refunds offered.
- Gorilla Ladders step stools (sold exclusively at Home Depot in 2012): standing platform could break; refunds offered.
As discussed in Why is this recall important, these cases reinforce that small hardware failures can cause serious harm.
Why are falls from ladders still so common?
Falls happen fast when locks don’t seat or when users overreach.
Recent BLS data show falls, slips, and trips remain a major source of fatal injuries, especially in construction operation, even as overall workplace deaths declined 3.7% in 2023.
Many fatal falls occur from 6–30 feet—the range common for extension ladders.
Best practices for using multi-purpose ladders safely
- Set the ladder on firm, level ground; secure the base.
- Before every climb, confirm locks are fully engaged on both rails.
- Maintain three points of contact; keep your belt buckle between the rails.
- Never stand on the top three rungs; avoid overreaching.
- Follow the duty rating; don’t exceed the load limit.
[Definition] Recall remedy: The official fix for a safety defect (refund, repair, or replacement) coordinated with CPSC and the manufacturer.
The Werner remedy here is a full refund after disposal.
Common mistakes to avoid with multi-position ladders
- Climbing before the locks click into place or are visually verified.
- Using a recalled model “one last time.”
- Overreaching to the side; instead, move the ladder.
- Setting up on slippery decks, uneven lawns, or unstable surfaces.
- Ignoring wear, bent rails, or frayed rope on extension sections.
What should Texans know about this recall and injuries at stores?
Texas consumers bought many of these ladders locally and online. Houston area media have amplified the recall after the August 14, 2025 notice, urging owners to act now.
If you were hurt in a ladder fall at a retail location, learn how claims typically resolve by reviewing Home Depot injury settlements.
For product defects, keep your receipts, photos of the ladder label, and any medical records.
Key takeaways
- The recall is real, current, and applies to ALMP-20IAA and ALMP-24IAA ladders sold at Home Depot (Nov 2021–Feb 2024).
- The lock can jam and fail, with 18 reported falls and 14 injuries.
- Register with Werner, dispose of the ladder per instructions, and claim a full refund.
- Falls from ladders remain a leading danger; follow setup and locking checks every time.
In summary, check your label today. If your ladder is ALMP-20IAA or ALMP-24IAA, stop using it and start the refund process now.
