Big Lots is a national retail discount store that offers customers discounted prices on a wide range of items. With over 1,400 stores in the U.S., you’ll find a convenient location to get your shopping done or grab some lunch!
When applying for jobs at Big Lots, you might be wondering if they will drug test their employees? Here is what I was able to uncover from my research!
Does Big Lots Drug Test? Big Lots Drug Test Explained
Big Lots requires its new hires to complete mandatory pre-employment testing that includes both an online screening questionnaire and lab urine drug test. Alcohol is not tested for in this process, but illegal drugs are screened for. Pass any one of these three elements of the drug test, and you pass the process!
When Does Big Lots Drug Test Employees?
Big Lots can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
Drug tests are generally part of the application process at Big Lots, so you will need to be prepared. You might be asked to complete a drug test when you submit an employment application, or they may do it later in the interview process.
Tests may be conducted in the form of a urine sample, and this will happen at a testing facility. You may also need to take a drug test if you’re hired and complete your employment paperwork.
In some states, you have to consent to being tested before being hired for the job, so it is important that you know the laws surrounding drug testing in your state.
Random Test
In general, Big Lots asks employees to provide an information sheet when they start work with them at their place of business. This sheet specifically asks the employee to agree to be subject to random drug tests throughout their time with Big Lots Retail Stores Inc.
Suspicion Based Test
If the store manager suspects that you are using drugs, he or she may request a drug test. Note that they have the right to do this at any point during your employment if they feel it is necessary.
Post Incident Test
You will have to undergo a drug test after an accident occurs on the job. Since Big Lots cares about its customers, it reserves their right to ensure no employees are under the influence while working with them at all times. This is part of maintaining safety for everyone involved.
What Type Of Drugs Does Big Lots Test For?
Being a discount retailer, Big Lots conducts its drug tests for the following drugs only: heroin, cocaine, marijuana, hashish, methamphetamine (crystal meth), amphetamine, ecstasy.
As long as you inform your potential employer about this and provide proof of prescription use, you should be fine.
While some states have legalized the recreational use of cannabis, Big Lots will test for it and if positive you will get denied.
Big Lots Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
If you are scheduled to take a drug test for Big Lots, the initial sample collection process should only take about five minutes. You will be notified by phone 48 hours in advance of your scheduled test. The results will typically take one business day after the initial collection of the specimen.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At Big Lots?
Big Lots has a right to refuse employment or terminate you if you fail a drug test.
Additionally, if you do not arrive at your scheduled time for testing, Big Lots may decide to withdraw an offer of employment or terminate current employment immediately.
Employees at Big Lots who refuse to take a post-incidence drug test may lose their employment.
What Happens if You Fail the Big Lots Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at Big Lots? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
Big Lots has a zero-tolerance for illegal substances. The company will not hesitate to terminate an employee if they fail a drug test at any point during employment.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
Due to Big Lots’ zero-tolerance policy, applicants are required to pass a background check and drug test before being offered their job. If they fail either part of this process, they won’t be employed by Big Lots.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
Big Lots randomly tests all employees with no prior indication of suspicion every six months. Employees are expected to be available for testing at any time during this period. Any employee who fails the test will be terminated immediately and permanently from their position.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
In some states, it’s possible to sue someone even if that person wasn’t directly responsible for an accident. In these cases, Big Lots could argue that employees have a duty to work safely and pass all required tests. Failing a drug test would hinder this requirement, which could lead to being held personally liable or being sued by Big Lots itself.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Big Lots Can I Reapply?
You may reapply to Big Lots as soon as six months after you’ve submitted a negative drug test or at 12 months if you choose not to submit a drug test.
Conclusion: Does Big Lots Drug Test?
Big Lots workers undergo a pre-employment drug-screening process that includes a urine test. There is no information given as to whether or not Big Lots performs random drug tests for current employees. Employees working with heavy machinery or driving vehicles may have different testing policies in place.
If you think you may fail the Drug test, you should steer clear of Big Lots, as they will be thoroughly tested for traces of illegal substances. Failing to pass the mandatory pre-employment testing will result in automatic disqualification from consideration for that job opening at Big Lots.