diff --git a/master.c b/master.c
index e127cfa1..4c65d045 100644
--- a/master.c
+++ b/master.c
@@ -1500,6 +1500,8 @@ nextlock:
 
 		}
 
+		if (diedpid <= 0) continue;
+
 		/* What happens here ?
 
 		   case 1) the diedpid is not a worker, report it and continue