diff --git a/scripts/agent_poller.py b/scripts/agent_poller.py
index efc3873..b2e5595 100644
--- a/scripts/agent_poller.py
+++ b/scripts/agent_poller.py
@@ -124,12 +124,7 @@ def blocked_check():
     If no references found or all referenced issues are closed,
     removes the 'blocked' label.
     """
-    try:
-        all_blocked = _req("GET", "/issues?state=open&labels=blocked")
-    except SystemExit:
-        print("No blocked issues found.")
-        return
-
+    all_blocked = _req_safe("GET", "/issues?state=open&labels=blocked")
     if not all_blocked:
         print("No blocked issues found.")
         return