The best practice principle of avoiding work at height, is well demonstrated by the SpaceVac gutter cleaning equipment. There is a wireless video camera mounted on the head with a screen at eye level, and a reach of 14m. It is not a unique product or concept, but it clearly demonstrates the opportunities and benefits of avoiding work at height.
The growth in the use of drones for taking aerial photos is another example of how to avoid working at height. I met a domestic surveyor at Christmas drinks, who asked me what I did. I expected the usual rolling eyes, but he became very excited explaining his drone alongside his fear of heights.
Perhaps the best contributor is the Elebia remote control crane hook.
I predict that this will make a huge and positive impact from both a productivity and a safety persepctive.