diff --git a/ifc_import.py b/ifc_import.py
index a90d363..7bf9969 100644
--- a/ifc_import.py
+++ b/ifc_import.py
@@ -67,7 +67,10 @@ def insert(
         print("Aborted.")
         return
     stime = time.time()
-    document = FreeCAD.getDocument(docname)
+    try:
+        document = FreeCAD.getDocument(docname)
+    except:
+        document = FreeCAD.newDocument()
     if singledoc is None:
         singledoc = params.GetBool("SingleDoc", False)
     if singledoc:
diff --git a/ifc_observer.py b/ifc_observer.py
index 43332c2..4865569 100644
--- a/ifc_observer.py
+++ b/ifc_observer.py
@@ -39,7 +39,11 @@ def add_observer():
 class ifc_observer:
     """A general document observer that handles IFC objects"""
 
-    # slots
+    def __init__(self):
+        # if there is a document open when the observer starts,
+        # check it
+        if FreeCAD.ActiveDocument:
+            self.slotActivateDocument(FreeCAD.ActiveDocument)
 
     def slotStartSaveDocument(self, doc, value):
         """Save all IFC documents in this doc"""