Different countries have different standards on what is safe, and what is not (I suspect it has a lot to do with how many lawyers per capita are trying to make a living in said counties). In the USA, stepping on the railhead is a big no-no, but I recall seeing video of railroaders overseas where everyone was stepping on the rail head every time. I guess they were more concerned about tripping over the rail head than slipping on it.
BTW, I recall seeing other photos of Rio Grande railroaders using the plow as a foot board.