diff --git a/register_participants.inc.php b/register_participants.inc.php
index 2fa79473..34e4a451 100644
--- a/register_participants.inc.php
+++ b/register_participants.inc.php
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ function safetyStatus()
 	$q=mysql_query("SELECT * FROM safetyquestions ORDER BY ord");
 	while($r=mysql_fetch_object($q))
 	{
-		if($r->required && !$safetyanswers[$r->id])
+		if($r->required=="yes" && !$safetyanswers[$r->id])
 		{
 			return "incomplete";
 		}