Costco is one of the most popular retailers in America, with millions of members and hundreds of stores throughout the country. The huge retailer offers a large variety of products from groceries to electronics. In terms of their work force, they provide good packages for their employees including health insurance, discounts on all goods at the store, and competitive pay.
If you are wondering if Costco drug tests its workers or not, then read on to know about it!
Does Costco Drug Test? Costco Drug Test Explained
Yes, Costco does conduct employee drug testing. Applicants must take a pre-employment urine test specifically when applying for employment at Costco since this is a condition to be considered for employment at the store. Current employees may also be required to undergo a drug test in cases where it is suspected that they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.
When Does Costco Drug Test Employees?
Costco can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
At Costco, most new hires are asked to take a pre-employment drug test before accepting the job.
This usually happens on location at your local warehouse. The only exception is that construction jobs are verified using an independent lab drug screening company called Labcorp.
You will receive instructions on scheduling with the site you applied for once your interview has passed successfully.
Random Test
While most employees are required to take a drug test upon hiring, some retail workers may be temporarily flagged for random testing by their manager as part of the company’s commitment to safety and security.
Suspicion Based Test
If there is reason to believe that an employee has been under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job, your manager may request a drug test as part of the company’s policy for safety reasons. If you test positive, it can result in disciplinary action such as suspension or dismissal from employment.
Post Incident Test
Since customer comfort and safety is paramount at Costco, if you work in a non-construction position and you get involved in an accident while working (that causes damage/injury), you will be asked to take a drug test as part of the investigation into what caused the accident.
What Type Of Drugs Does Costco Test For?
Costco tests for alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and opiates.
Costco will test your body for traces of any prescription or nonprescription drugs you may have taken the days preceding your test. If this is due to a medical condition you can inform Costco and prove it with a letter from your doctor.
The presence of recreational drugs will require the supervisor conducting the test to fail their potential new hire immediately. This applies even if the use of these substances is legal in your state
Costco Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
You will be scheduled for a drug test at Costco immediately following your interview and you must complete the testing within one hour. The initial sample collection only takes between five and ten minutes to complete.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At Costco?
Drug tests are required by the law of all employees at Costco, so you cannot refuse a drug test without facing possible legal action taken against you.
Applicants who fail to appear for a scheduled drug screening or do not pass can expect immediate termination from employment consideration at this company.
Once again, if you refuse a drug screen post-incident despite previous assurances of compliance, then your offer of employment with Costco is likely going to be revoked.
What Happens if You Fail the Costco Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at Costco? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
Costco has zero tolerance for drug use among its employees. Employees who test positive or refuse to take a test will be terminated immediately.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
The job application at Costco requires consent for drug tests. Applicants are required to disclose all past and current medical issues including prescription drugs taken during the screening process. If once tests postive for any of the substances, the application will be terminated.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
If an employee fails a random test, he or she will be terminated immediately. The termination is usually effective that same day.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident have no protection from being sued personally. Since the company has a strict policy of zero-tolerance for drugs in its employees, there is no discretion in any circumstance.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Costco Can I Reapply?
It is advisable to wait at least one year to reapply for a job with Costco after failing a drug test. Additionally, be sure that your past conduct will prevent you from successfully passing the mandatory screening before applying again.
Conclusion: Does Costco Drug Test?
Costco targets employees who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty. Some positions in Costco might require heavy machinery and equipment, which is why they typically perform drug tests to ensure that their employees are working in a safe environment.
Failing a pre-employment urine test can lead to being denied employment opportunities at Costco stores. Workers that have tested positive for the presence of illegal drugs or prescription medications in their system can be removed from job duties until they go through the rehabilitation process with the help of a counselor. It’s also important to note once again that a failed drug test will disqualify you from being considered for employment at Costco.