As Texas baked in record temperatures this summer, local UPS driver Chris Begley began to feel ill before collapsing at a customer's premises. The 57-year-old's death at the hospital was announced in late August — just as his union ratified an agreement with UPS for improved thermal protection. "Chris Begley should still be alive to experience them," the Teamsters union said in a statement about provisions such as a pledge to include air conditioning in new vans starting next year and upgrades to existing vehicles. In a statement to local media UPS (UPS.N) said it is cooperating with authorities in the investigation into the cause of death. "We train our people to recognize the signs of heat stress and respond immediately to any request for help," the report said. As global warming leads to more frequent periods of extreme heat around the world, workers are among the most exposed to serious health risks, as their livelihoods often depend on them continuing regardless. (Mark John)