Objective:

To identify risk factors related to human error in patient safety, applying the Swiss cheese model in the Emergency Department critical care area of Yerovi Mackuart Hospital, Salcedo.

Method:

Qualitative descriptive-correlational study. Seventeen nursing professionals participated. A structured survey and observation were used; the data were processed in Google Forms and analyzed thematically to distinguish active failures and latent conditions.

Results:

A systemic approach to human error was evident. Active failures included omissions and errors in safe practices; latent conditions included deficiencies in interprofessional communication, insufficient teamwork, inadequate staffing, regulatory weaknesses, and lack of material resources.

Conclusion:

These factors interfere with care and increase the risk of harm.