diff --git a/src/field_player_avatar.c b/src/field_player_avatar.c
index 0b9ec8aa24..3c2b65a3b2 100644
--- a/src/field_player_avatar.c
+++ b/src/field_player_avatar.c
@@ -2499,7 +2499,7 @@ bool8 ObjectMovingOnRockStairs(struct ObjectEvent *objectEvent, u8 direction)
         s16 y = objectEvent->currentCoords.y;
         
         // TODO followers on sideways stairs
-        if (IsFollowerVisible() && (objectEvent->isPlayer || objectEvent->localId == OBJ_EVENT_ID_FOLLOWER))
+        if (IsFollowerVisible() && GetFollowerObject() != NULL && (objectEvent->isPlayer || objectEvent->localId == OBJ_EVENT_ID_FOLLOWER))
             return FALSE;
         
         switch (direction)