diff --git a/scripts/staffing_simulation.py b/scripts/staffing_simulation.py
index ed032b5..d63985f 100644
--- a/scripts/staffing_simulation.py
+++ b/scripts/staffing_simulation.py
@@ -234,18 +234,15 @@ def ask_staffing_question(question, verify=True):
     answer = r.get("answer", "")
     sources = r.get("sources", [])
 
-    # Verify: extract any worker names mentioned in the answer
+    # Verify: check each source worker actually exists in golden data
     hallucinations = []
     if verify:
-        # Check each source worker exists
         for s in sources:
             wid = s.get("doc_id", "").replace("W-", "")
             if wid.isdigit():
-                ok, issues = verify_worker(int(wid), {
-                    "name": "",  # just check existence
-                })
-                if not ok:
-                    hallucinations.extend(issues)
+                result = sql(f"SELECT worker_id FROM ethereal_workers WHERE worker_id = {wid}")
+                if "error" in result or not result.get("rows"):
+                    hallucinations.append(f"source {s.get('doc_id')} not found in golden data")
 
     return answer, sources, hallucinations