WorkSafe's chief executive has resigned after two and a half years in the job.
Gordon MacDonald travelled from the United Kingdom to take up the position, leaving family behind.
In a brief statement, Worksafe chairman Gregor Coster said the decision had been agonising for Mr MacDonald and his wife, but they needed to put family first.
Professor Coster said Mr MacDonald had prepared WorkSafe for the recent changes to the health and safety regulations and the board appreciated his contribution.
The board would now look for a replacement, with Mr MacDonald agreeing to stay on until the end of the year if required.
