ABSTRACT:
Context: Occupational health is an area that encompasses the influences between work and the health/disease process, with regulated actions in Brazil within the scope of epidemiological, sanitary, and environmental surveillance, as well as the protection and promotion of workers' health, recovery, and rehabilitation1. The health-disease process has a direct relationship with occupation, based on risk factors related to organization and safety2. In the university context, exposure to various occupational risks can occur, with significant effects on quality of life. Thus, this study aims to understand the perception of university workers regarding the occupational risks existing at the university.

METHODS:
Descriptive research with a qualitative approach, conducted with 10 workers from various sectors of a public university in Ceará, Brazil, in November 2025, using a focus group with a 34-minute session. The statements were recorded, transcribed, and organized using thematic content analysis as proposed by Minayo and analyzed based on the literature. The study respected the ethical and legal aspects for research with human beings, with approval from the ethics committee.

RESULTS:
The participants highlighted dissatisfaction with interpersonal relationships among colleagues, affecting their mental health. They also pointed out the insecurity associated with the free entry of different people onto campus, and mentioned the need to improve relationships among workers, envisioning the strengthening of bonds through dialogue and debate about conflicting moments and relationships, as well as the organization of social gatherings, and also that management should provide basic first aid supplies.

CONCLUSIONS:
It is observed that health and safety at work is not limited to accident prevention, but involves psychosocial, organizational, and relational aspects, demanding commitment from management and the active participation of workers in building a safer and healthier work environment.