(WSIL) -- U-Haul has announced it will no longer hire employees who use nicotine products.
The Arizona-based says it's the first major company in its field to implement such a policy.
The new hiring policy will go into effect February 1 in 21 states where employers are allowed to decline job applicants who are nicotine users.
Those states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Anyone seeking employment with U-Haul in those states will be questioned about nicotine use on his or her application. In states where testing is allowed, applicants must consent to nicotine screenings to be considered.
“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members,� stated Jessica Lopez, U-Haul Chief of Staff. “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.�
Current employees and those hired before February 1 will not be impacted by the policy.
U-Haul employs more than 30,000 people across the U.S. and Canada.
