I don't think the brakeman is in any danger of losing a limb, if he is paying attention. Many years ago, I stood at the vestibule end of an Italian train that was coupling to another. I watched in horror as the brakeman calmly stood in the middle of the tracks with the other train bearing down on him. I was certain I was about to see one squashed brakeman. But, of course, the buffers hit, and there was enough space between the ends of the cars to protect him. He fastened the hook, screwed down the containing ring, and stepped out under the buffers to the side of the train.