diff --git a/canvas/src/components/EmptyState.tsx b/canvas/src/components/EmptyState.tsx
index 52cab350..3b793495 100644
--- a/canvas/src/components/EmptyState.tsx
+++ b/canvas/src/components/EmptyState.tsx
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ export function EmptyState() {
         </div>
 
         {error && (
-          <div className="mt-3 px-3 py-2 bg-red-950/40 border border-red-800/50 rounded-lg text-xs text-red-400">
+          <div role="alert" className="mt-3 px-3 py-2 bg-red-950/40 border border-red-800/50 rounded-lg text-xs text-red-400">
             {error}
           </div>
         )}