Can stepladders be leaned against walls for maximum support?

Stepladders are designed to be self-supporting structures, which means they should only be used on their own without being leaned against walls or any other surfaces. Leaning a stepladder against a wall compromises its stability and can lead to a dangerous situation where the ladder may slip or fall, resulting in accidents or injuries. The wide stance of a stepladder is intended to provide maximum balance when used correctly.

Using a stepladder in its upright position ensures the user has optimal support and helps distribute weight evenly. Therefore, leaning it against a wall is not appropriate and is against best practices for ladder safety.