Does Safeway Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Safeway's Drug Testing Policy for Store Employees

Safeway, owned by Albertsons Companies, operates over 900 grocery stores primarily on the West Coast and in the Mountain states. For most store-level positions — cashiers, courtesy clerks, stockers, deli workers, bakery staff, and meat department employees — Safeway does not require a pre-employment drug test. This policy aligns with the broader grocery industry trend of reducing drug testing for non-safety-sensitive roles, especially as many Safeway locations are in states with legal recreational marijuana (California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado). The focus has shifted to background checks and work history verification rather than drug screening.

Pharmacy and Regulated Positions Are Always Tested

Safeway pharmacy technicians and pharmacists are required to pass a pre-employment drug test. These positions are regulated by state pharmacy boards and involve handling controlled substances, making drug testing both a company requirement and a regulatory necessity. CDL truck drivers who work at Safeway distribution centers are subject to DOT-mandated drug testing under 49 CFR Part 40, which includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty testing. DOT testing includes marijuana screening regardless of state legalization laws.

Post-Accident and Reasonable-Suspicion Testing

While Safeway does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for most positions, all employees are subject to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing. If you are involved in a workplace accident that results in injury or significant property damage, you may be required to take a drug test. If a supervisor has reasonable grounds to believe you are impaired on the job, you can also be tested. Refusing a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion test is typically treated the same as a positive result and can lead to termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Safeway drug test cashiers?

No. Safeway does not drug test cashiers, courtesy clerks, or baggers during the hiring process. These positions are not considered safety-sensitive, and Safeway has moved away from pre-employment testing for general store roles. However, you are still subject to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing after being hired.

Does Safeway drug test pharmacy employees?

Yes. Safeway pharmacy technicians and pharmacists are always required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Pharmacy positions involve handling controlled substances and are regulated by state pharmacy boards, which require adherence to professional standards including drug-free workplace policies.

What type of drug test does Safeway use?

When drug testing is required (pharmacy, CDL drivers, post-accident), Safeway typically uses a standard urine drug test. The panel screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. For DOT-regulated positions, the test follows federal DOT standards.

Does Safeway do random drug tests?

Random drug testing at Safeway is limited to DOT-regulated CDL truck drivers, who are subject to federally mandated random testing. General store employees are not subject to random drug testing. However, all employees can be tested after a workplace accident or if there is reasonable suspicion of impairment.

Is Safeway's drug policy the same as Albertsons?

Yes. Safeway is owned by Albertsons Companies, and the drug testing policies are consistent across all Albertsons-owned banners including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, and others. The same general rule applies: most store positions are not tested, pharmacy and CDL driver positions are tested.