A construction union is calling for action over safety standards at the University of Sunshine Coast worksite in Petrie after a worker's leg was "mutilated" this week.

It is understood a truck driver had his leg nearly severed in a workplace accident on Monday while helping unload pallets off a vehicle when a load fell on him.

A worker was seriously injured at the Sunshine Coast University project site on Monday. Credit:Tamara Voninski

The worker underwent surgery on Tuesday night in an effort to repair the damage to his leg.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland inspectors issued a non-disturbance order on

part of the site, meaning no further work could proceed until investigations were complete.