In a move towards a healthier workforce, U-Haul has announced that the company will soon no longer employ nicotine users in 21 states, including Massachusetts.

The moving and storage company’s new policy will go into effect on Feb. 1 in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

The chosen states are the ones where it is legal to decline a job to nicotine users. Once the policy goes into effect, applicants will be asked about their nicotine use. In states where testing is allowed, applicants must submit to a nicotine screening.

Those who are hired prior to Feb. 1 will not be impacted by the new policy.

“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members,” said U-Haul Chief of Staff Jessica Lopez in a press release. “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.”

U-Haul currently offers its “Healthier You” program, which is a wellness program that includes help for quitting nicotine.

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