Topflor China Limited

Two workers were killed last Wednesday when a crane collapsed at the Corinthians stadium, raising fresh doubts about Brazil's ability to finish work for the tournament on schedule.

Globo television showed a priest leading workers in prayer before they resumed work.

"It's good to get back to work but at the same time it is difficult because of the deaths of our colleagues. It is very sad," said one worker.

"I've been working here for a year and four months, and I had never seen a serious accident."

Despite Monday's resumption, some 30 per cent of outstanding work at the venue remain on hold owing to an investigation into the tragedy.

A crane collapsed onto a section of the stands as workers were using it to lift a final 420-ton metallic segment to the top of the roof.

Debris from the accident at the stadium will be cleared this week allowing the main contractor Odebrecht to confirm the actual venue structure remains intact.

Sao Paulo, which had already been running some 45 days behind schedule, now faces a race against the clock to meet world football governing body FIFA's deadline for all 12 host stadiums to be completed by December 31.