diff --git a/code/modules/mining/lavaland/mining_loot/equipment.dm b/code/modules/mining/lavaland/mining_loot/equipment.dm
index e5c166ae916..98edc5700d2 100644
--- a/code/modules/mining/lavaland/mining_loot/equipment.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mining/lavaland/mining_loot/equipment.dm
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@
 	activated()
 
 /obj/item/rod_of_asclepius/proc/activated()
-	item_flags = DROPDEL
+	item_flags = DROPDEL | ABSTRACT
 	ADD_TRAIT(src, TRAIT_NODROP, CURSED_ITEM_TRAIT(type))
 	activated = TRUE
 	update_appearance()
diff --git a/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_mob_interaction.dm b/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_mob_interaction.dm
index 53ad199cc0b..46f6e8c9e1e 100644
--- a/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_mob_interaction.dm
+++ b/code/modules/vehicles/mecha/mecha_mob_interaction.dm
@@ -33,6 +33,12 @@
 		to_chat(M, span_warning("You can't enter the exosuit with other creatures attached to you!"))
 		log_message("Permission denied (Attached mobs).", LOG_MECHA)
 		return FALSE
+
+	for(var/obj/item/thing in M.held_items)
+		if(!(thing.item_flags & (ABSTRACT|HAND_ITEM)))
+			to_chat(M, span_warning("You can't enter the exosuit while your hands are occupied!"))
+			return FALSE
+
 	return ..()
 
 ///proc called when a new non-mmi mob enters this mech