U-Haul won’t consider hiring prospective employees who use nicotine.
The moving company announced Monday the nicotine-free hiring policy will go into effect in 21 states beginning Feb. 1.
The policy won’t be enforced on employees hired before that date, the company said.
U-Haul said the new policy was driven by its desire for a healthy workforce.
“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our team members,” U-Haul chief of staff Jessica Lopez said in a statement. “Nicotine products are addictive and pose a variety of serious health risks. This policy is a responsible step in fostering a culture of wellness at U-Haul, with the goal of helping our team members on their health journey.”
The states where the policy will be implemented allow companies to decline hiring people who use nicotine products. Those states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington state.
The new policy will be stated on job applications, and applicants will be questioned about their possible nicotine use.
“In states where testing is allowed, applicants must consent to submit to nicotine screening in the future to be considered,” the company said in a news release.
U-Haul employs more than 30,000 people in the United States and Canada.
