diff --git a/.github/workflows/tests-misc.yml b/.github/workflows/tests-misc.yml
index cca32650b106..decd88f2e84c 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/tests-misc.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/tests-misc.yml
@@ -165,12 +165,14 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Download artifact (master run)
         uses: actions/download-artifact@v4.1.8
+        continue-on-error: true
         with:
           name: cargo-check-benches-master-${{ github.sha }}
           path: ./artifacts/master
 
       - name: Download artifact (current run)
         uses: actions/download-artifact@v4.1.8
+        continue-on-error: true
         with:
           name: cargo-check-benches-current-${{ github.sha }}
           path: ./artifacts/current
@@ -183,6 +185,12 @@ jobs:
             exit 0
           fi
 
+          # fail if no artifacts
+          if [ ! -d ./artifacts/master ] || [ ! -d ./artifacts/current ]; then
+            echo "No artifacts found"
+            exit 1
+          fi
+
           docker run --rm \
           -v $PWD/artifacts/master:/artifacts/master \
           -v $PWD/artifacts/current:/artifacts/current \