U-Haul International soon will stop interviewing and hiring people who smoke cigarettes or use other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, as part of an effort to promote healthier lifestyles among its employees.
The nicotine-free hiring policy will take effect on Feb. 1 in the 21 states where it is lawful for employers to decline to hire people who use nicotine products. Both Pennsylvania and Delaware are among them. New Jersey is not.
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"Nicotine products are addictive and pose a variety of serious health risks," U-Haul Chief of Staff Jessica Lopez said in a statement. "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 Phoenix, Arizona-based truck rental company employs more than 30,000 people in the United States and Canada. The company also is building a 54,208-square-foot conference and fitness center at its headquarters as part of its mission to establish a healthy corporate culture.
U-Haul encourages its employees against using nicotine products by waiving a wellness fee they would otherwise pay, according to the Arizona Republic. But it does not force tobacco users to pay a health care insurance premium.
People applying for U-Haul jobs in the 21 affected states will be notified of the nicotine-free hiring policy on applications, the newspaper reported. Applicants also will be questioned about their nicotine use.