As one of the major mail service providers in America, the U.S. Postal Service offers employment opportunities for those who wish to work for this government agency.
If you’re already employed by USPS or applying for a position there, you may be wondering whether it conducts drug testing on its staff members. Here is what I found out!
Does USPS Drug Test? USPS Drug Test Explained
Yes, USPS conducts both pre-employment and random drug tests according to the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. Current employees will also be tested if their managers feel that they are under the influence at work. Employees who fail these drug tests will either get suspended without pay or fired depending on how serious their offense.
When Does USPS Drug Test Employees?
USPS can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
You should expect to undergo a drug test right before or during your orientation.
Employees who go through the mail, including mail carriers and other employees at USPS’s processing facilities handling franking machines, are required to take mandatory pre-employment tests to prevent accidents caused by impairment of an employee’s ability to function properly due to substance abuse.
If you are asked back for a second interview after you applied for a position with USPS, it is likely that you will be required to take a drug test screening.
Random Test
You may be asked to take a random drug test at least once every two years during your employment with the USPS. This is an important part of maintaining workplace safety and ensuring that employees are not impaired while on the job.
Suspicion Based Test
If you are suspected of taking drugs, you may need to undergo a mandatory drug test immediately before or after work hours or during lunchtime. If there is cause for suspicion because of behavior, physical appearance, etc., an individual cannot refuse this request; otherwise it could result in termination from employment.
Post Incident Test
Any time an accident occurs at work to another employee, yourself, or even if damage has occurred to USPS vehicles or equipment, you may be required to take a drug test. This is because the USPS’s number one priority is to ensure that both employees and customers are safe at all times.
What Type Of Drugs Does USPS Test For?
USPS tests for all major illegal drugs. They also test for alcohol or any recreational drugs which are legal in their state of operation.
Possession of medicinal marijuana requires proof and you will be tested with another sample if it is found to be positive after questioning by USPS supervisors.
You may get discriminated against by US Postal Services due to the presence of Recreational drugs in your system even if these are legalized in your state. It is advisable that you stop using recreational drugs before applying for jobs at USPS .
USPS Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
Applicants for the United States Postal Service (USPS) will receive a notice to report for drug testing. The notice should tell applicants how long they have to submit their test, but it is typically no less than one day and usually up to 48 hours. Test results can take up to 5 business days.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At USPS?
You cannot legally refuse to take a USPS drug test since this measure is required of all employees.
You may be removed from consideration or employment with the US Postal service if you fail to appear for testing or if you do not undergo testing within the designated time frame.
The consequences to the employee at the USPS who has an incident such as a car accident or injury while under the influence of drugs is determined on a case by case basis, but it may result in immediate termination.
What Happens if You Fail the USPS Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at USPS? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
USPS has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs in the workplace. A random drug test is conducted every year on all employees and any positive test result is treated as a final offense
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
For both current USPS employees and applicants, they must pass a pre-employment drug test Upon approval of employment, applicants must also undergo another round of testing before starting work. Once employed, an annual drug screening will be required. If they fail even one of these tests, they will be fired immediately
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
Employees who fail a routine or random drug test will be fired immediately. It is advisable to be prepared to be tested on a short notice.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
If an employee is involved in an accident that was caused by drug use or intoxication, USPS can sue them personally to recover the costs associated with the accident.
If I Fail A Drug Test At USPS Can I Reapply?
Those who fail a drug test will not be eligible to reapply until enough time has passed for stored drug metabolites to leave your system and allow you to pass a new drug test. Typically you have to wait a year before you are allowed to apply again.
Conclusion: Does USPS Drug Test?
The U.S. Postal Service will conduct drug tests on both potential and existing employees as it is mandatory for them to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. This normally includes a lab urine test that measures the presence of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications in an employee’s body.
Failing these tests may lead to your suspension without pay or termination from USPS employment if it is your second offense within 2 years.