Safe work at height follows a clear hierarchy of controls: avoid working at height wherever possible, then prevent falls through guardrails and enclosed platforms, and finally minimize the consequences of a fall through arrest systems as a last line of defense.
In practice for scaffolding and steel erection crews, this means full-body harnesses on certified anchor points, protection at open edges, adherence to permitted wind-speed limits, and sign-off from a competent person before platform access is granted.
Training and culture remain the deciding factor: a dedicated work-at-height permit, regular inspection of personal safety equipment, and tool tethering to prevent dropped objects. This is the approach we apply when training our erection crews on every project.