<p>The aim of this series is to introduce the topic of human factors and to show how it can be used in nursing practice on the ward and in nursing management, to improve the safety of patient care. Human factors can be used to make many aspects of working life easier, and if it is easier to do it is less likely to go wrong. This article discusses the importance of human factors in nursing and provides some practical suggestions on how to apply the principles of human factors. Forthcoming articles will examine human factors tools, surgical safety and human reliability in more detail.</p>