diff --git a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
index 7750fdb..9738855 100644
--- a/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
+++ b/dotdrop/dotdrop.py
@@ -165,6 +165,12 @@ def cmd_install(o):
     """install dotfiles for this profile"""
     dotfiles = o.dotfiles
     prof = o.conf.get_profile()
+
+    # ensure parallel install is unattended
+    if o.install_parallel > 1 and o.safe:
+        LOG.err('\"-w --workers\" must be used with \"-f --force\"')
+        return False
+
     pro_pre_actions = prof.get_pre_actions() if prof else []
     pro_post_actions = prof.get_post_actions() if prof else []
 
diff --git a/dotdrop/options.py b/dotdrop/options.py
index bdf74cf..ad7e6ef 100644
--- a/dotdrop/options.py
+++ b/dotdrop/options.py
@@ -256,9 +256,6 @@ class Options(AttrMonitor):
         except ValueError:
             self.log.err('bad option for --workers')
             sys.exit(USAGE)
-        if self.safe and self.install_parallel > 1:
-            self.log.err('\"-w --workers\" must be used with \"-f --force\"')
-            sys.exit(USAGE)
 
         # "compare" specifics
         self.compare_focus = self.args['--file']