Walmart turns over more than $900,000,000 a day.
Doing this requires a huge workforce, ensuring that the workforce is not under the influence of drugs is vital to keeping customers, staff, assets and finances safe.
Consequently, Walmart carries out pre-employment drugs test for roles that carry a lot of responsibility such as management, pharmacy and any roles where you will be operating machinery.
They also carry out random drug tests and will drug test staff involved in workplace accidents.
Roles That Walmart May Drug Test For
Walmart state that if you are offered a job then;
“[you will]..be asked to complete the next steps within the pre-employment checks, such as a background check and drug screen, if applicable.”
The drug tests are not applicable to all roles.
Drug tests are mandatory for the following roles at Walmart:
- Any Management Position
- Pharmacists & Pharmacy Assistants
- Asset Protection Specialist Roles
These roles require drug tests because staff in these positions will be responsible for people, drugs or large sums of money.
Any erratic behavior caused by drugs could be very problematic.
Typically the following roles do not require drug tests:
- Cashiers
- Cleaners
- Food and Grocery Workers
- Stockists
However, these roles may still be randomly drug tested from time to time.
You are likely to be drug tested if you have a pre-existing criminal record regardless of the role.
Walmart may request drug tests following accidents at work too.
Does Walmart Drug Test Stockers?
Stockers are not usually required to undergo a pre-employment drugs test, however they may be subject to the following drugs tests during their employment:
- random drugs tests
- test following a workplace accident
- tests if your behaviour seems suspicious
Departments That Walmart May Drug Test
Staff in the following departments will have to perform a pre-employment drugs test:
- Management
- Pharmaceutical department
- Heavy machineary operation
What Type Of Test Do They Do?
Walmart’s drug test requires you to urinate into a sample cup.
You will be asked to do this alone in a bathroom, you will not be allowed to take anything in with you.
This prevents the sample from being contaminated or anyone else from performing the test for you.
This is then sent away for laboratory analysis to check for any drug traces in your urine.
What Drugs Do Walmart Test For?
Walmart tests for traces of a variety of drugs, typically (but not always) tests will check for the following:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Steroids
- PCP
- Opiates
- Alcohol
Why Do Walmart Do Drugs Tests?
Walmart does drug tests to ensure that their customer, staff and assets are kept safe.
Staff working under the influence of drugs are far more likely to be negligible in their role, causing accidents or injury to customers of colleagues, or damaging stock.
Drug testing helps ensure that Walmart stores operate safely and efficiently.
When Do The Drug Tests Happen?
There are four times when Walmart will drug test:
- Post-interview – after your job interview you may be asked to complete a drugs test before leaving.
- Post-accident – if an accident has occured everyone involved may be asked to do a drugs test to ensure that drugs weren’t a factor.
- Randomly – Random drugs tests happen infrequently whenever the store manager decides to do them.
- If you are acting suspiciously – if a manager observes that your behaviour is different and suspects you may be under the influence of drugs then they will request a drugs test for you.
What Happens If You Get A Positive Drugs Test?
Failing the pre-employment drugs test means your job offer will be withdrawn.
If you test positive to any drugs tests during your employment with Walmart then you are likely to lose your job. Depending on the circumstances and your management you may face disciplinary procedures rather than being terminated.
A positive drugs test also means you will be unable to apply for any Walmart positions within one year of the test.
What Happens If You Refuse To Be Tested?
If you refuse to be tested Walmart will then assume that your reason for refusing is because you are likely to get a positive result.
You could then face disciplinary action.
Does Walmart Drug Test At Orientation?
No, typically drug tests will happen straight after your interview depending on the role.
We hope you found this useful. If you are about to start a new role at Walmart you may also find it useful to read our articles on Walmart employee dress code and Walmart’s transfer policy.
