diff --git a/task-runner/task_runner/task_request_handler.py b/task-runner/task_runner/task_request_handler.py
index d5d7c049..0a55b799 100644
--- a/task-runner/task_runner/task_request_handler.py
+++ b/task-runner/task_runner/task_request_handler.py
@@ -200,9 +200,9 @@ def save_output(
     ) -> bool:
         output_size_bytes = self._pack_output(output_filename=output_filename)
 
-        if output_size_bytes == 0:
-            return False
-
+        # NOTE: This event is published even if the output size is 0, to
+        # inform the BE that the task has finished. The TaskOutputUploadFailed
+        # event is only published if an exception occurs during upload.
         self._publish_event(
             events.TaskOutputUploaded(
                 id=self.task_id,
@@ -212,6 +212,9 @@ def save_output(
             force=force,
         )
 
+        if output_size_bytes == 0:
+            return False
+
         # Remove the request JSON file to prevent multiple uploads
         # after a successful task data upload
         if os.path.exists(self.request_path):