diff --git a/lava_flan.lua b/lava_flan.lua
index 9ffaa26..98a1d4a 100644
--- a/lava_flan.lua
+++ b/lava_flan.lua
@@ -138,11 +138,8 @@ local old_handle_node_drops = minetest.handle_node_drops
 
 function minetest.handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
 
-	-- does player exist?
-	if not digger then return end
-
 	-- are we holding Lava Pick?
-	if digger:get_wielded_item():get_name() ~= ("mobs:pick_lava") then
+	if digger and digger:get_wielded_item():get_name() ~= ("mobs:pick_lava") then
 		return old_handle_node_drops(pos, drops, digger)
 	end