Yes, Safeway does drug tests, and the company has a strict policy, for that matter, to make sure no employees partake in drug use.
The company drug tests most employees in most positions before hiring them. The only positions that don’t go through these tests are the courtesy clerks.
The information was obtained by researching a wide variety of websites for reports from current and former Safeway employees. We also scoured the Safeway/Albertsons job board to see what we could find on the positions they are currently hiring for.
What Type of Drug Test Does Safeway Use?
The primary drug testing method at Safeway is mouth swab tests, and sometimes, the company goes for urine tests because they’re more convenient and accurate.
However, employees applying for positions in the transportation department will get additional hair tests because they can provide an overview of the recent substances used. That’s aside from the driving tests they have to go through.
Depending on the location you’re applying at, you may go through urine tests, mouth swab tests, or both.
Urine tests scan for the following drugs:
- Opiates
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine
Meanwhile, mouth swab tests scan for these drugs:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Phencyclidine
When Does Safeway Drug Test?
Safeway drug-tests the employees pre-employment. They undergo these drug tests as part of the hiring process. And depending on the position they’re applying for, they may go through a hair test.
You’ll probably get asked for a drug test right before you get hired.
You may have to do the drug test at the company, depending on whether there’s a medical facility on site for the tests. If there isn’t, you’ll likely be directed to a third-party lab for the test.
Safeway Drug Testing Process
How Long Do Safeway Drug Test Results Take?
Drug tests may take a few days on average when they’re conducted at a lab. Meanwhile, instant tests get the results back immediately.
However, the results may take longer to come back if they’re positive because the doctor may want to confirm the positivity by carrying out another test on the sample.
Additionally, the time range may differ depending on the test. Generally, swab tests are pretty fast, so it shouldn’t take more than a day for the results to come back. Sometimes, when there’s not enough time for the whole hiring procedure, Safeway will administer instant drug test kits, which get the results back in no time.
What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test at Safeway?
If you fail a drug test at Safeway, chances are, you’ll get a call to inform you of the results. The call will also probably include rejection from the position you applied for.
Safeway has a pretty strict policy for drug testing, so there’s a slim chance the company will accept someone who failed the drug test.
If you fail a random drug test when you’re already an employee, there’s a high chance you’ll lose your job. Some employees may also lose insurance, such as transportation workers.
Does Safeway Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?
Yes, you’ll likely get a call from Safeway if you fail your drug test to inform you of the result. They’ll also inform you whether you’ll be hired.
Employee Drug Testing Policies for Safeway
Does Safeway Drug Test Warehouse Employees?
Safeway drug tests warehouse employees during the hiring process. In some cases, the potential employees may have to go through hair tests in addition to the standard mouth swab tests.
Does Safeway Drug Test Part-Time Employees?
Yes, Safeway drug-test part-time employees as a part of their hiring process. They only go through the test once before they’re hired.
Does Safeway Drug Test Employees?
Safeway doesn’t drug test existing employees except in two cases. For one, if an accident occurs, the company will likely carry out drug tests to make sure no one is under the influence.
Most companies carry out drug tests immediately after accidents, so if an employee asks for compensation, they make sure he wasn’t under the influence during what happened.
Other than accidents, Safeway may drug test employees who raise suspicion that they’re doing drugs on the job.
This may happen if an employee starts acting erratically or give a reason for the responsible personnel to suspect drug use.
Does Safeway Drug Test For a Promotion?
Safeway doesn’t drug test employees for a promotion. The drug tests mostly take place when the employee is still getting hired, if an accident happens, or if an employee raises suspicion.
Does Safeway Drug Test if You Get Injured on the Job?
Yes, Safeway may ask for a drug test if you get injured on the job.
The company has the right to reject compensation if they find that you’ve been under the influence during the accident. So, they carry out the test to make sure the drugs aren’t the reason for what happened.
Marijuana Drug Testing at Safeway
Does Safeway Drug Test For Weed?
Yes, Safeway’s drug tests include testing for weed. The mouth swab test should easily screen for marijuana and similar drugs.
Does Safeway Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?
According to the employees’ reports, Safeway doesn’t accept medical marijuana cards. The company is extra strict when it comes to its drug policy. So, because they have no way of making sure that the employee is consuming the safe dosage of marijuana, chances are, they’ll reject anyone who consumes marijuana, even if they have a medical report for it.
However, you never know what may happen for you. You may want to disclose this information early in the hiring process and ask about the company’s policy for it. If the position you’re applying for isn’t sensitive, you may get accepted with a medical marijuana card.