sorry to hear about your buddy!
I think 2 common sence things can save your life when using a on a lockon or ladder stand:
1. Use a climbing rope with a prussick knot that allows you to be hooked on before you even leave the ground! I cant understand why people dont use these. The straps for your sticks could break just like the straps for your stand!
2. use a chain backup with a turnbuckle for your stand and dont leave the stand up too long(trees do grow ya know). Those nylon straps wont last forever and it seems like ive been reading alot of post with straps breaking! If you get strong enough hardware your stand will break before your chaiin!
I think the rope is the most important!