I believe most accidents happen getting into or out of the stand. Getting in your will put a good amount of sideways pressure on the stand, especially if your top step is below the stand. Getting out you need to deal with two things I can think ok, slippery steps (ice if cold enough) and pivoting your foot on the step.

I always have my top step at or just above the stand platform, this way I am stepping onto the stand by stepping down and I can do it slowly to make sure the stand holds and doesn't move. Coming out, I don't have to reach for anything. It also makes that first/last step not be an "all or nothing" move.