Abstract: A railroad head block switching installation having a safety cover secured to the track ties between which extend the connecting rod of the rail switching mechanism, so as to overlie such rod in spaced relationship therewith and protect persons from tripping over the rod. The safety cover is preferably of plate formation molded from a weight-supporting structural plastic material to provide opposing ramp sections and a central section in common therewith and spaced above the rod. Longitudinal and transverse reinforcing ribs are advantageously provided on the undersurface of the cover, with lag-bolt-accommodating bosses formed at the intersections of such ribs.