Leading retail store chains in the U.S. maintain a policy of drug testing their employees before hiring them to avoid any mishaps for customers and staff during work.
So if you’re applying for a role at Home Depot, a major home improvement store chain, you may be wondering – does Home Depot drug test employees? Here is what I’ve found out about this!
Does Home Depot Drug Test?
Home Depot drug tests both potential and existing employees if there is suspected drug use. The retail chain operates a strict drug-free workplace, meaning drugs and alcohol are prohibited on site. If an employee tests positive for drugs, they can be subject to instant termination.
If you want to learn more about how Home Depot conducts drug tests for employees, what substances it tests for, and whether these are conducted at random, keep on reading!
What Is Home Depot’s Drug Policy?
As stated in its employee handbook, Home Depot is committed to providing both workers and customers with a safe and healthy workplace.
To ensure this, Home Depot operates a drug-free policy, which means that possessing alcohol or drugs on-premises or arriving at work under the influence of these is against company policy.
Note that Home Depot employees must sign a contract that states they agree to the drug-free work policy as a condition of their employment.
If an employee at Home Depot is caught violating this policy, they will be subject to instant termination.
What Type Of Drug Test Does Home Depot Use?
Typically, it has been suggested that Home Depot uses a saliva test to evaluate the presence of drugs.
This is conducted by taking a swab around the mouth and having the test sent away to a third-party testing facility that will then contact Home Depot with the results.
Other than that, Home Depot has also been reported to use urine tests, but this is usually for conducting random drug testing or testing after an accident or incident in the workplace.
What Substances Does Home Depot Drug Test For?
Home Depot drug tests for a variety of illegal substances can affect an employee’s ability to work effectively and offer a pleasant customer experience.
The common substances Home Depot tests for include PCP, cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, narcotics, and other illegal drugs.
Does Home Depot Conduct Drug Tests At Interviews?
Home Depot conducts drug tests for potential employees before they are hired since part of the application process involves your agreement to participate in the drug test.
In most cases, the drug test will be conducted after the first interview to assess whether or not you are suitable for the role.
Note that Home Depot will also use a background check to assess your eligibility for a job at their stores.
When Does Home Depot Conduct Drug Tests?
Home Depot conducts drug tests during the interview process, following incidents at work and for suspected drug use.
When you are applying to Home Depot, you will be required to undertake a drug test to ensure you comply with its drug-free work policy.
Usually, you will only be required to take a drug test once at Home Depot when you begin working there.
After this, Home Depot will only conduct drug tests if there has been an incident in the workplace or if it suspects an employee of using drugs.
Does Home Depot Conduct Random Drug Tests?
Home Depot does not usually conduct random drug tests on employees.
However, if there has been an incident or accident at work or it suspects an employee of using drugs, it will conduct a drug test.
For drug tests following incidents, Home Depot will take a urine sample to test for drugs using a third-party tester.
You will be prohibited from returning to Home Depot to work until the results from your drug test have come back negative.
In case the results of your Home Depot drug test are positive, you will likely be terminated from employment.
Can I Refuse A Drug Test At Home Depot?
You can refuse a drug test at Home Depot, but it is likely that you will have your offer of employment or your current employment was withdrawn due to failure to comply with the drug-free policy.
Additionally, if you do not arrive to take the drug test when required, Home Depot will terminate your offer of employment or current employment immediately.
Keep in mind that you can be terminated within 24 hours at Home Depot for failing a drug test.
Will I Be Fired If I Fail A Drug Test At Home Depot?
If you are interviewing for a position at Home Depot and you fail the drug test required of potential employees, you will not be offered the job or will have your offer of employment withdrawn.
Similarly, if you are already employed by Home Depot and fail a drug test, you will be immediately terminated for violating the drug-free policy that is a part of your contract.
Note that you can contest a drug test if you believe it has given a false positive result and request an alternative test, such as a GC-MS Test, in order to verify the results.
If I Fail A Drug Test At Home Depot Can I Reapply?
If you fail a drug test at Home Depot, you will be eligible to reapply to work there after one year.
Keep in mind that to be reemployed or employed by Home Depot, you will need to pass the drug test required.
To learn more, you might also be interested in reading up on whether or not Kohl’s drug tests, PetSmart drug tests, and Sam’s Club drug tests.
Conclusion
Home Depot drug tests potential employees and current employees to ensure they are complying with its drug-free work policy.
New employees will be required to agree to and submit a drug test before they begin working for Home Depot, usually in the form of a mouth swab drug test.
While Home Depot does not randomly drug test existing employees, drug tests may be required if there is suspected drug use following an accident in the workplace.
If you fail a drug test at Home Depot either as an existing employee or a potential employee, you will be terminated from Home Depot.
