Passing a substance-of-abuse screen has become one of the top requirements before you get employed in a company. Being one of the largest retailers in the world, some individuals often wonder if they have to undergo a pre-employment Walmart THC drug test. And once they get hired, would there still be other analyses they have to undergo?
Walmart Drug Testing Policy: A Rundown
Employing a total of more than two million workers and with more than 11,000 stores, Walmart has a Global Statement of Ethics or Code of Conduct that includes the prohibition of use, possession, and solicitation of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. It aims to ensure that employees remain physically and mentally sound to decide and perform efficiently while working.
Keep in mind that some Walmart employees interact with customers and handle merchandise, while others, especially those in the warehouse, operate equipment and machinery. Maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workplace can help significantly prevent accidents and conflicts.
What Kind of Drug Test Does Walmart Use?
As of writing, Walmart stores utilize the urine drug screening method because it detects the substance itself and its metabolites. Plus, lab techs have many ways of identifying adulterated samples, making the result more reliable.
How Does It Work?
Generally, the employee or soon-to-be employee will be provided with a cup where he or she would collect at least 45 milliliters of pee. Expect that someone will accompany you when you collect your specimen in a public restroom to ensure you won’t attempt to adulterate it. You’ll also be asked to empty your pockets, remove your jacket and hat, and leave your bag.
The collected sample is then submitted to and inspected by the attending trained personnel. If your sample is sufficient, the personnel will label and store it. It will then be transported to the laboratory for evaluation. The results usually come out after one or two days.
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The hiring staff may also give you a written order for the analysis and ask you to proceed to accredited and licensed testing centers to collect your sample and have it evaluated. Depending on the center, the sealed results can either be mailed to Walmart or handed to you to submit to Walmart’s human resource department personally. That said, you are given a specific period, usually 24 hours, to comply.
What Drugs Are Tested?
Like most Walmart at-home drug test kits, the lab exam you would undergo can detect several substances but are, of course, more accurate than the said instant urine drug testing kits. These substances include but not limited to:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
The Structure of Substance-of-Abuse Testing at Walmart
Walmart stores have four different kinds of substance abuse evaluation programs to ensure they live by their code of conduct. Keep in mind that alcohol is considered a drug, so when we use drug/s, we’re referring to prescription meds, illegal drugs, and alcohol. Also, do note that below are general policies, as each store has different specific standard operating procedures.
Walmart Pre Employment Drug Screen
Let’s answer a few questions related to Walmart’s pre-employment substance test to understand how it goes. Keep reading FMAHealth to get know more about it.
Does Walmart Drug Test You on the First Interview?
The purpose of the first interview is to choose from the selected applicants who are best qualified for the position. Thus, you won’t be required to undergo a drug screen.
It is usually done after the final interview or during or after the orientation. This policy is applicable not just for first-time applicants but also for re-hires.
With those in mind, here’s a quick overview of how the standard application process goes:
- Application Completion: This step involves submitting your resume or CV and other requirements for the position you’re applying for or interested in.
- Candidate Review: The HR personnel or hiring manager will sort through the applications and choose qualified ones. You will undergo interviews to determine if you’re a good fit.
- Screening: Once you passed the interviews, you would be asked to complete certain checks, such as drug screen and background check.
- Orientation and Training: Once you completed and passed everything, you’d be scheduled for orientation and training. It will help you have a better understanding of the store policies, rules, regulations, and more, as well as how to do your job.
Does Walmart Drug Test the Same Day as Interview?
Notice that above, we used the term usually. That’s because there are times when the second or final interview gets done on the same day as the first interview. Some even reach the orientation stage on the same day as the interviews. So, yes, it’s possible that the test, the sample collection to be precise, gets done on the same day as the interview.
Does Walmart Require Substance Analysis for Entry-Level Positions?
From the information provided above, it’s clear that the answer to the question “Does Walmart drug test new employees 2021?” is yes, Walmart will evaluate new hires for substance use and abuse.
However, some branches don’t require it for some entry-level positions. Thus, this would solely depend on the specific branch’s management and SOP.
Walmart Random Drug Test
Walmart also conducts random urine drug tests for their employees to ensure they strictly and continuously adhere to their policies or code of conduct. Aptly named, you won’t have an idea when you’ll get tested, so it’s best to stay clean.
Additionally, depending on the store branch’s management, staff in some departments get tested more frequently than others. Usually, they are those who handle pieces of equipment, such as forklift controllers and stockers, and those at the pharmacy department or dispensing supplements, prescription meds, and detox pills for drug test Walmart.
Reasonable Suspicion
If a manager or supervisor suspects that an employee is under the influence while working, they can initiate an instant drug test for that person. Of course, the suspicion must also be reasonable, such as the employee misbehaving or performing poorly than usual. The analysis will serve as a confirmation that the situation is or isn’t influenced by any substances.
Post Accident
Accidents aren’t uncommon in any workplace, especially Walmart, where employees move goods and there is too much human traffic. All these accidents undergo investigations to find the root cause, which can help lead to improved safety standards.
That said, if an employee was involved or cause an accident that led to injury or damages, he or she needs to undergo a substance-of-abuse assay. It will ensure no substance played a significant role in the accident.
What Happens If You Fail the Substance-of-Abuse Test?
It has been emphasized that Walmart has strict policies when it comes to substance use and abuse. Therefore, applicants who fail to pass Walmart drug tests for pre-employment or re-hire won’t get hired. They also won’t be allowed to apply for any Walmart jobs for about 12 months or one year.
As FMA Health claims, additionally, employees who get a positive result for any random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing would get fired.
Walmart Prescription Drugs and Drug Testing for Employment, Random Checks, and Confirmations
In conclusion, apart from selling a pee and saliva drug test kit Walmart, the company also ensures they have employees who don’t use and abuse any substances that can:
- affect their performance
- influence how they deal with customers and co-workers
- compromise the safety of the area and the people inside
Therefore, if you plan to work at Walmart but you’re a substance user, it’s time to start considering staying clean.
