USMC,
"safer" does not mean the same thing in all situations, and is subjective.
It is a statistical FACT that a reduced power takeoff (turbofan engines) lowers the risk of engine failure. In that context, it is "safer."
Of course obstacle clearance and other things are factored in the equation to determine how much to reduce the takeoff thrust setting.
Also, at very light weight and aft CG configurations, 4-engine aircraft may become (temporarily) uncontrollable with an outboard engine failure during the takeoff roll. Hence another reason to use reduced power takeoffs.
In the fighter world, AB takeoffs are indeed "safer".