diff --git a/drivers/md/dm-delay.c b/drivers/md/dm-delay.c
index eec0daa4b227a4..4ba12d53699499 100644
--- a/drivers/md/dm-delay.c
+++ b/drivers/md/dm-delay.c
@@ -269,8 +269,7 @@ static int delay_ctr(struct dm_target *ti, unsigned int argc, char **argv)
 		 * In case of small requested delays, use kthread instead of
 		 * timers and workqueue to achieve better latency.
 		 */
-		dc->worker = kthread_create(&flush_worker_fn, dc,
-					    "dm-delay-flush-worker");
+		dc->worker = kthread_run(&flush_worker_fn, dc, "dm-delay-flush-worker");
 		if (IS_ERR(dc->worker)) {
 			ret = PTR_ERR(dc->worker);
 			dc->worker = NULL;