Publix is a regional supermarket chain that is known for their quality products, clean stores, and competitive compensation. The popular grocery store provides skilled employment opportunities at the managerial level as well as throughout all departments of their company.
Given how competitive working conditions are in the retail industry, potential employees may be wondering – does Publix drug test? Here’s what you need to know!
Does Publix Drug Test? Publix Drug Test Explained
Yes, Publix conducts pre-employment screenings and random drug tests on its staff members who have safety-sensitive roles in the organization. The company’s comprehensive Employee Handbook details the right way to conduct a drug test when allowed by law. Although an exact drug test is not listed in the Employee Handbook, it most likely involves a breathalyzer or a urine test to detect alcohol and illegal drugs.
When Does Publix Drug Test Employees?
Publix can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
Publix is known for its ethical view of drug testing, meaning that your managers want to ensure that no person under the influence of drugs will be able to harm anyone.
Most employees are required to take a drug test before being officially hired by the company. You may need to complete a drug test within the first week of work.
New hires will also need to complete a post-accident and random drug test as well.
Random Test
Drug tests at Publix often take place in the form of random events, meaning that they may or may not happen at a given time. Overall, it is unlikely that you will be asked to go through a random drug test.
Suspicion Based Test
If managers suspect that an employee may have used substances recently, workers must agree to undergo a drug screen upon request from the employers.
Post Incident Test
Similar to other companies, Publix employees may be asked for a drug test following an accident at work. This helps determine if workers were under the influence or not during the incident.
What Type Of Drugs Does Publix Test For?
Publix tests for all major recreational drugs including cannabis that are legal in the state the test is being conducted in.
If you have a medical reason for using cannabis and you inform Publix about this, they may not be counted against you. You will have to back up your reason with proof.
There is a high chance that recreational drugs in one’s system will lead to their refusal of employment.
Publix Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
There is generally a 24-hour deadline for you to complete the drug test that Publix requires. Your initial drug test should take no more than fifteen minutes. The results typically take up to 5 days.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At Publix?
You can refuse to take a drug test at Publix, but you will likely lose your current or future employment opportunities due to failure to comply with their policy regarding the refusal of drug testing.
Applicants who do not show up for scheduled tests when required by Publix risk having their job offers withdrawn unless they report in person immediately to explain why they were unable to attend.
If you are scheduled for Post-Incident Drug Testing, you will be required to do a drug test within 24 hours or you will likely lose your job.
What Happens if You Fail the Publix Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at Publix? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
Publix has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use. That is, it does not hire anyone who uses any kind of illicit/illegal drug regardless if their job requires such. Employees should understand the company’s position before applying for work.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
Drug tests are a part of many companies’ hiring processes. Applicants should make sure they know the testing requirements for a position before applying or accepting an offer.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
When Publix employees have been randomly drug tested and have failed, they will immediately be terminated. This is the company’s way of sending a strong message that drug use does not warrant employment.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
Workers who injure someone with negligence while using illegal/illicit substances are liable for damages. This includes personal injury claims, wrongful death lawsuits and other compensation for the victim. If they are sued, workers who fail a drug test may be required to pay compensation.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Publix Can I Reapply?
Publix has been in existence since 1930 and is one of the most reputable companies in all of America, so applying again after being terminated for refusal or failing a drug test might look favorable on paper. However, there is a seven-year waiting period before you can reapply again.
Conclusion: Does Publix Drug Test?
Yes, Publix does drug tests on current and potential employees who have safety-sensitive roles within the organization. This mostly includes those dealing with machinery and heavy equipment, as well as those working in highly visible positions such as store management. Publix’s comprehensive Employee Handbook outlines what employees should do when performing a pre-employment screening or a random drug test according to federal laws.
One of the consequences of failing a drug test at Publix is being denied employment. Potential employees may be rejected from job offers if they fail a pre-health screening, especially if they have a safety-sensitive job.