Listed as one of the top 100 places to work in 2012, Dollar General provides employment opportunities to many while expanding its retail chain across America.
If you’re applying for a new job at Dollar General or are currently working there, you may be wondering – does Dollar General drug test? Here is some information on their testing policy.
Does Dollar General Drug Test? Dollar General Drug Test Explained
Drug tests are mandatory for all potential employees before they are considered for employment with Dollar General. Random drug tests are also done on current employees after hiring, especially workers who handle items that could affect public safety. Employees who return positive results will have their employment terminated immediately.
When Does Dollar General Drug Test Employees?
Dollar General can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
The drug testing process at Dollar General is very simple and easy. Just like other corporations, you will need to take a pre-employment test before beginning your employment with the company.
This is usually done immediately after your interview or right after the hiring manager has made an official job offer over the phone.
If the job entails the handling of cash or potential access to money, Dollar General may require you to take a drug test before giving you employment.
Random Test
There are times when random tests are conducted by Dollar General, but it only happens on rare occasions. Usually, this also happens during holidays when there is a higher number of employees working in order to keep everyone safe while they work.
Suspicion Based Test
You may find yourself needing to take a drug test if your behavior seems off or if you exhibit unusual behavior at work.
Post Incident Test
If you are involved in an accident during your shift, you will need to take a drug test to prove that you were not under the influence of anything while on the job. This is part of Dollar General’s commitment to keep its employees safe while they work.
What Type Of Drugs Does Dollar General Test For?
Dollar General tests for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines, as well as alcohol.
Some applicants and employees may fail the test due to prescription medications. Those who do will generally have to prove that they are using the medication for medical purposes.
If you fail due to any recreational drug (such as cannabis), it is highly unlikely that your new job at Dollar General will remain intact. You should also know that The Family Medical Leave Act doesn’t apply to matters like these.
Dollar General Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
Dollar General has its own drug-testing lab and also partners with local labs. The time required for a test is five to seven business days and applicants are typically notified of the results three to five business days after that.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At Dollar General?
You can refuse to take a drug test at Dollar General but may risk your position if you fail to comply with the policy of mandatory testing for job applicants and employees.
You will be terminated for employment if you do not submit to an initial or random drug test, regardless of whether you are on leave without pay or have already left your previous position at this company. Failure to show up on time for a scheduled test is also grounds for termination.
If you refuse to take a drug test following an incident at work, your employment may be terminated. Dollar General does not wait for employees who do not comply with the drug-free policy.
What Happens if You Fail the Dollar General Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at Dollar General? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
Dollar General, like many other large companies, has a strict policy against drug use. It instructs applicants to never take any type of medication before the interview. Also, it informs them that if they test positive during employment followup testing or at random times, the offer is immediately rescinded.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
Applicants are warned that they will be tested at anytime while employed by Dollar General. Furthermore, they are informed that because the company cannot trust an employee who uses drugs to work safely and honestly, there is no room for leniency under any circumstances. If someone fails a drug test, the employment offer is rescinded.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
If someone fails a random drug test, he or she would have to find new employment immediately. Dollar General is held to high standards regarding safety and honesty due to the risk of liability with customers. It has no tolerance for employees who are not truly committed to being safe on the job through total sobriety.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
Employees who use drugs and stay under their influence at work could cause serious accidents that leave other workers injured or killed because they were unable to do their jobs safely and quickly enough. An employer might also sue an employee if it is obligated to pay restitution for the injury and it has proof that the worker was under the influence.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Dollar General Can I Reapply?
If you are terminated from Dollar General for failure to submit a drug test or your refusal, then you will need to wait six months before reapplying for a position with this company.
Conclusion: Does Dollar General Drug Test?
Yes, Dollar General conducts drug tests on both current and potential employees. Applicants have to pass a urine test while being considered for employment, while random testing is normally done on current employees especially those that work with dangerous equipment or merchandise. If you return positive, you risk losing your job with Dollar General.
Failing a drug test from Dollar General may lead to the termination of your employment if you’re a potential employee, or result in immediate termination if you’re already employed there. Note that all Dollar General stores and distribution centers will employ stringent drug testing policies for any worker operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous materials that can endanger public safety.