Retail work involves long hours on your feet, repetitive movements and customer-facing stress that can contribute to musculoskeletal conditions, anxiety, depression and physical injuries. Many retail workers are members of REST Super, though they may also have accounts in other funds.
Conditions commonly affecting retail workers
- Back, knee and foot conditions from prolonged standing
- Shoulder and wrist injuries from repetitive lifting or scanning
- Mental health conditions — anxiety, depression or PTSD, sometimes triggered by robberies or workplace incidents
- Serious illnesses — cancer, heart disease — that prevent a return to any work
Don't assume you're not covered
Many retail workers are part-time or casual and assume they have no super or insurance. In fact, most workers who have earned $450 or more in a month from any employer are entitled to super contributions — and TPD cover is often included automatically. Check your REST Super or other fund account. See our REST Super TPD guide.
Check your eligibility
Even if you've left retail and moved between multiple employers, old super accounts may hold active TPD cover. Start with a free eligibility check.