In the era of ‘patient safety’ and ‘evidence-based practice’ when great efforts to redesign systems and prevent errors have been made, it is expected that compliance to risk-reduction strategies becomes internalized in all health care professionals (Mahida, 2016). However, ‘not doing hand hygiene’, ‘fail to double check when administering a high-alert medication’, ‘not confirming patient identity’, ‘not marking the surgical site’ and ‘not using individual protection equipment’ are frequently seen situations in everyday care among caregivers. Considering that ‘the nurse carries personal responsibility and accountability for nursing practice’ (International Council of Nurses, 2012), are there reasons that justify these behaviours? Beyond system improvements and under an ethical perspective, it's time to think about moral and professional obligations about safety in health care.