diff --git a/code/modules/paperwork/paper.dm b/code/modules/paperwork/paper.dm
index e8940afecb..dcfb794c92 100644
--- a/code/modules/paperwork/paper.dm
+++ b/code/modules/paperwork/paper.dm
@@ -404,6 +404,10 @@
 
 		var/obj/item/i = usr.get_active_hand() // Check to see if he still got that darn pen, also check if he's using a crayon or pen.
 		var/iscrayon = 0
+		if(!istype(i, /obj/item/weapon/pen))
+			alert(usr, "You aren't holding a pen anymore! If you want to keep your work, grab one.", "Confirm Continuation", "Okay")
+			i = usr.get_active_hand()
+
 		if(!istype(i, /obj/item/weapon/pen))
 			var/mob/living/M = usr
 			if(istype(M) && M.back && istype(M.back,/obj/item/weapon/rig))