McDonald's does conduct drug tests in some cases when employees file for Workman’s Compensation, but formally it does not.
Since most McDonald's restaurants are owned by individuals or companies, they can choose whether to drug test candidates or employees, it is up to the owner's choice. According to Zippia.com, more than 80% of former and current employees stated that they were not tested for drugs when they were hired.
McDonald's does not have a company-wide rule regarding pre-employment drug tests. McDonald's is proud of the fact that it is a drug-free workplace and requires that all employees be free of drugs and alcohol to ensure that employees and customers are safe and healthy.
Regardless of whether they work at a franchise or company-owned location, if employees are found to be under the influence, they may be terminated immediately depending on the rules of the outlet's ownership. If an accident happens during work hours, drug tests may be needed. In these cases, a five-panel urine test is used.
When does McDonald’s test for drugs?
As previously mentioned, McDonald's will only conduct a drug test in the case of incidents or when an employee files for Workman's Compensation. They want to ensure that the request isn't for drugs. If accepted, the employee will receive benefits because they were injured at work. If the employee becomes injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, McDonald's will not have to pay for the injury.
If a manager or supervisor at McDonald's has reasonable suspicion that an employee is using drugs, the company will perform drug tests. These tests cannot be refused, and a positive result will be grounds for termination.
In the event of an injury or suspicion of substance abuse, McDonald's will conduct a urine test. Urinalysis results usually come back within a reasonable time, so everyone will know the results quicker. Additionally, McDonald's also favors urinalysis because it will reveal the presence of drugs in your system even if their effects have worn off.
What can the drug tests reveal?
When McDonald's tests its employees, what it tests for depends on the situation. If your manager suspected an employee of appearing at work intoxicated, they might be asked to take an alcohol test. According to McDonald's policy, if you test positive for alcohol, you will be fired.
Similarly, if employees are expected to take a urine test, they can be expected to be tested for anything detected by that test. Urine tests will reveal things like, Methamphetamines like meth, speed, and ecstasy, THC like cannabinoids and marijuana, Alcohol, Cocaine, Opiates like heroin, opium, and morphine, and Phencyclidine like PCP, angel dust.
It is, however, important to note that an employee's perceptions can play a role in drug testing. Employees who have been prescribed opioids or medical marijuana are encouraged to inform their manager. If McDonald's doesn't suspect they're using it on the job, they won't care if they use this prescription.
If employees are applying for Workman's Compensation, even the presence of prescription drugs can prevent employees from getting compensation.
FAQs
Q. Does McDonald's do a drug test?
A. McDonald's does conduct drug tests in some cases when employees file for Workman’s Compensation, but formally it does not.
Q. Who is the CEO of McDonald’s?
A. Christopher John Kempczinski is the president and chief executive officer of McDonald's Corporation.
Q. How much does a McDonald's employee make per hour?
A. The starting wage of a McDonald's employee is around $9.00 to $10.00 per hour.
Q. At what age can I start working at McDonald's?
A. At the age of 14 you can start working as an employee at McDonald's.
