Amazon is the leading online retailer in the world, making it one of the most popular employers for many jobseekers. The company offers employment opportunities in their e-commerce operations and web services divisions, among other parts of Amazon.
If you are an employee or thinking about applying to Amazon for a position, you might be wondering – does Amazon drug test its employees? Here’s what I found out!
Does Amazon Drug Test? Amazon Drug Test Explained
Amazon conducts random drug testing on all new hires before they begin working at Amazon. These tests check for traces of alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, PCP and amphetamine. Employees who violate this policy face disciplinary action up to termination. Furthermore, employees may also undergo a mandatory drug test before every shift.
When Does Amazon Drug Test Employees?
Amazon can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
Drug testing is usually done immediately after an interview. This may consist of a drug test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and several other drugs through a saliva swab or hair follicle test.
Additionally you may also be asked to take a computerized-based test which will determine if you have been using illicit substances within the past few months.
Your potential employer only has your best interests so no matter what happens during the pre-employment process you can rest assured that they are not trying to disqualify you from getting hired but instead simply doing job so you can start working.
Random Test
Amazon conducts random drug tests on some of its employees. Drug tests are done by trained professionals who will make sure that the employee is not under any stress during the test.
Suspicion Based Test
If you exhibit behavior or act in a manner that may indicate that you’re using drugs, your employer has the right to require you to take a drug test. These tests can be done anytime and anywhere if your workplace requires it.
Post Incident Test
Accidents happen, but this does not mean that all employees involved in an accident have been under the influence of drugs at work. For this reason, Amazon reserves the right to request for post-accident drug tests depending on how severe the accident was.
What Type Of Drugs Does Amazon Test For?
Amazon conducts drug tests for all potential hires, and it does not provide exceptions for medical reasons. Recreational drugs are also tested for in Amazon’s drug tests.
You may be fine if you take medication for a medical condition and inform Amazon about this. A letter from your doctor may be needed to back up this claim.
If you fail the drug test at Amazon because of recreational drugs, you will be denied employment.
Amazon Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
You will most likely be required to take a drug test for Amazon within twenty-four hours of receiving notice. The initial intake process, including specimen collection, takes about fifteen minutes and the results usually take between one and two days to come back.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At Amazon?
New applicants at Amazon can refuse a drug test, but will likely forfeit their offer of employment or current employment with that company.
Employees who do not complete the drug testing procedure will be terminated immediately.
Drug use by employees does not go unpunished at Amazon; they may terminate you if you fail or refuse a post-incident drug test.
What Happens if You Fail the Amazon Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at Amazon? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
Amazon strictly forbids the use of illegal drugs. They have a zero-tolerance policy for drug use by its employees. Applicants are required to pass a fully supervised drug screening test if they wish to get hired at Amazon. If an applicant fails, he/she will not be hired.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
For candidates that are given conditional offers – that is, offers which are contingent on passing certain tests or conditions – their job offers are immediately revoked if they fail to pass any of the tests. This includes passing a mandatory drug test due prior to start working with Amazon.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
In addition to their zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs, Amazon also has a “random test” policy. In this type of testing, employees are subjected to drug tests at random. Employees who fail the random test will get notified and will have to get tested again within three days or else they’ll get fired immediately.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
If an employee gets injured in a company vehicle during work hours due to his/her own negligence – such as getting into a car accident while texting and driving, for instance – not only does the employer investigate the matter but it may sue the employee personally in addition to terminating employment should the injury be due to the employee’s negligent action.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Amazon Can I Reapply?
Amazon does not wait a year for applicants to reapply in most cases. One may need to wait for between several months and up to a year before submitting another application.
Conclusion: Does Amazon Drug Test?
Amazon conducts both random and post-accident testing on its employees who violate the zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. However, the company does not conduct pre-employment drug tests or require existing employees to be tested as a condition of continuing their employment with Amazon.
As an employee, failing a drug test at Amazon is considered grounds for dismissal. If you are considering applying to work at Amazon, note that they do conduct both pre-employment and random drug tests which check for traces of alcohol, marijuana, opiates, cocaine, PCP and amphetamine – so answer accordingly!