diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/robot_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/robot_defense.dm
index d9e841d5f69..5196b095945 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/robot_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/silicon/robot/robot_defense.dm
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(blacklisted_borg_hats, typecacheof(list( //Hats that don't real
 		return
 
 	if(W.slot_flags & ITEM_SLOT_HEAD && hat_offset != INFINITY && user.a_intent == INTENT_HELP && !is_type_in_typecache(W, GLOB.blacklisted_borg_hats))
-		if(HAS_TRAIT(hat, TRAIT_NODROP))
+		if(hat && HAS_TRAIT(hat, TRAIT_NODROP))
 			to_chat(user, "<span class='warn'>You can't seem to remove [src]'s existing headwear!</span>")
 			return
 		to_chat(user, "<span class='notice'>You begin to place [W] on [src]'s head...</span>")