diff --git a/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm b/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
index 1c6e2436d4..e89dd9cacd 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/inventory.dm
@@ -48,6 +48,8 @@ var/list/slot_equipment_priority = list( \
 //set disable_warning to disable the 'you are unable to equip that' warning.
 //unset redraw_mob to prevent the mob from being redrawn at the end.
 /mob/proc/equip_to_slot_if_possible(obj/item/W as obj, slot, del_on_fail = 0, disable_warning = 0, redraw_mob = 1)
+	if(!W)
+		return 0
 	if(!W.mob_can_equip(src, slot))
 		if(del_on_fail)
 			qdel(W)