Does Safeway drug test? (all you need to know)
Many grocery stores and retailers in the U.S. require their new employees to undergo drug testing before being hired. Stores such as Kroger and Aldi now use drug testing as part of their hiring process.
If you’re considering working at Safeway, you might be wondering if you have to take a drug test. If you want to find out, read on to see what I learned!
Does Safeway drug test?
Most U.S. Safeway stores require drug testing for all new employees, and it is also required for rehired employees. Safeway will conduct drug testing on-site or at a local clinic, and if potential recruits pass the test, they will be referred to Safeway staff.
If you want to learn more about which Safeway stocks drug tests, the types of drugs they test, and more, keep reading!
Does every Safeway drug test?
According to various Safeway employees, not every Safeway location in the United States drug tests employees for every available position.
This will vary from state to state based on local laws as well as the discretion of the store manager.
However, every store must drug its shipping employees, and they may test drivers for hair drugs.
In some states where recreational drugs are legal, drug testing may not be required for employees, or may only be required for employees who hold certain positions, such as pharmacists or drivers.
Does Safeway conduct drug testing during orientation?
Safeway will conduct a drug test as part of the interview process, or they will extend the interview process by having potential recruits undergo a drug test at a clinic.
This will vary by store location, as while many Safeway stores are set up to conduct drug testing on-site, others are not.
What types of drug testing does Safeway perform?
Safeway usually does a saliva drug test.
They take a swab, take saliva from your mouth, test it, and decide if you pass the test.
Some Safeway stores require urine testing, but according to Safeway employees, this may only be done if an employee is injured on the job.
Does Safeway Drug test their drivers?
Because transportation is such a safety-conscious job, Safeway drivers are required not only to undergo a drug test, but also to undergo a medical exam and a driving test.
These requirements have been implemented in accordance with DOT guidelines that every Safeway store in the United States should follow when hiring drivers.
What types of drugs does Safeway test?
Safeway tests for most major drugs, including recreational drugs that are legal in the state where the test is conducted. For a complete list, you can check out this reference.
Alcohol and marijuana are also tested, and the presence of these substances may still require testing supervisors to disqualify their potential new hires.
However, trace amounts of alcohol, steroids, and marijuana may not be counted if left over from earlier use.
Will Safeway hire me if I fail a drug test?
If a potential new Safeway employee fails a drug test, Safeway often has to deny their application.
However, they usually let rejected applicants reapply after 6 months, at which point they will be tested again.
Safeway may conduct random drug testing of its employees at any given time. If an employee fails a drug test, they may lose their job.
However, that decision will be at the manager’s discretion, as well as the circumstances under which they fail the test.
However, if a transportation employee fails a drug test, they could lose their job and be stripped of DOT insurance because driving under the influence of drugs violates the safety protocols attached to the transportation job.
How do I pass a Safeway drug test?
There are many things potential employees can do to prepare for their drug test.
Keep in mind that prescription medications can cause cross-reactions that can produce false positives on drug tests, even if a potential employee is not taking the medication.
Candidates for jobs at Safeway can prepare for their test by:
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash, then brush the inside of your cheeks with a toothbrush. Activated charcoal toothpaste may also help counteract the cleaning effects of medications in the mouth, according to the Drug Testing website.
- Do not take or smoke any recreational drugs until you have completed the interview and onboarding process.
The best way to test negative on a drug test is to avoid any substance before hiring a potential candidate.
However, for those taking prescription medications, these recommendations above should be considered because of the risk of false positive results.
Does Safeway drug test in Canada?
Safeway employees in Canada do not have to take a drug test.
In Canada, drug testing is a violation of human rights law, meaning Safeway is not allowed to drug test its employees unless there is a legitimate reason, such as a suspected defect.
After learning about Safeway’s employee drug testing, also check out our related articles on the Safeway dress code, Safeway employee discounts, and what Safeway is.
in conclusion
Most US Safeway locations will drug test their employees and new hires, and every US Safeway store is required to drug test their shipping workers. Safeway will test for all major illegal drugs as well as legal recreational drugs and alcohol.
Safeway usually does a mouth swab drug test, but some locations require a urine test. However, Safeway Canada does not drug test their employees because random testing violates human rights law.
