The Construction Industry Federation is warning the sector will face challenges when sites reopen on May 18th.
Its survey shows most construction firms are certain this pandemic will have an impact and only 2% expect to escape any consequences.
Its members think it will take at least 12 months before they recover fully from the coronavirus pandemic.
Construction Industry Federation director-general, Tom Parlon, believes the industry is ready to implement new back-to-work protocols.
"For the last four or five weeks the entire industry has been working on our own standard operating procedures.
"75,000 workers have completed a 50 minute online induction programme, so I think we're pretty ready.
"We will need small teams to get access to sites this week to do safety check and put in extra hygiene facilities."
