Tracy Mikulec

Why Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps Are the Superior Choice for Accessibility Solutions When it comes to selecting a wheelchair ramp for your home or business, the material choice plays a pivotal role in functionality, durability, and maintenance. While various materials are available, aluminum is the stand-out choice for a reliable, low-maintenance solution. At Upside Innovations, we […]

SIXAXIS ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION WITH UPSIDE INNOVATIONS’ MOVE TO NEW, LARGER FACILITY CINCINNATI, OHIO NOVEMBER 28, 2023-–Upside Innovations, a leading provider of ADA & IBC-compliant access solutions and a SixAxis company, is excited to announce its upcoming move to a larger facility, a significant milestone underscoring its remarkable growth and commitment to providing world-class service […]

Upside Innovations had the opportunity to enhance accessibility at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, with the installation of an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp at their first aid building. This installation remains a significant example of our commitment to creating inclusive and durable solutions in public spaces. The Challenge: Combining Durability with Accessibility Located near a popular waterpark feature, […]

Mezzanine floors have become a cornerstone in optimizing space in various industrial and commercial settings. At Upside Innovations, we understand the importance of maximizing floor space while maintaining functionality. This guide delves into the world of mezzanine floors, highlighting their versatility, types, and the crucial role of mezzanine stairs. What is a Mezzanine Floor? A […]

Project Overview Client: DC Department of General ServicesLocation: Washington, DCProject: DC DGS Adams Place Bus TerminalCollaborators: Modular Genius, Inc., Diamond Builders, Inc. The Challenge The Washington DC Department of General Services required a relocatable building for DC Public Schools to serve as a school bus dispatch, breakroom, and assembly space for drivers. The existing facility […]

A critical aspect of stair design is the angle of the stair, which can significantly influence its functionality, safety, and user experience. This is especially applicable in commercial settings, where factors like accessibility and space efficiency are paramount. The angle of a staircase, often measured in degrees from the horizontal, determines the steepness of the […]

In-plant offices are becoming more popular because the modular building industry is growing, and it is becoming easier and cheaper to access modular, in-plant offices. Stacking the modular offices on top of each other is expected to save floor space, so a set of OSHA-compliant steps is required for the upper level. What material do […]

The historic charm of the Chapin Mansion in Niles, Michigan, recently intertwined with the modern-day accessibility imperative. Through collaboration, Upside Innovations had the privilege of installing an ADA-compliant metal switchback ramp, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity. This ramp seamlessly links the parking lot to the mansion’s newly restored front porch, granting effortless access to […]

When choosing the right dock stairs for your project, it’s easy to default to what’s considered the “standard” – galvanized steel stairs. However, as Steve Harder, Project Manager at Flint Development, discovered, sometimes the standard isn’t always the best choice. Loading Dock Stair Installation at Flint Development Flint Development, a commercial real estate development firm […]

Upside Innovations is at the forefront of reshaping temporary workspace infrastructure. With our prefabricated, modular stairwells and canopies, we offer solutions that prioritize functionality, durability, and safety. In this article, we highlight the features and benefits of Upside’s products. Modular construction (What is modular construction?), a method involving the assembly of complete rooms or sections […]

When it comes to building a new structure, two popular options are prefab and modular construction. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct construction methods. Prefab Construction Components Made Off-Site Prefab, or prefabricated construction, involves manufacturing components off-site. These components include roofs, floors, and walls. These components are shipped to […]

How Tenant Improvements Can Help You Create the Best Commercial Space for Your Business. From Construction to Stairs, Here’s What You Need to Know! When your business expands and evolves, it is crucial to accentuate your brand, feel distinct, and satisfy your company’s demands. Tenant improvements can help you accomplish these objectives for a modest […]

we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the manufacturing

Cleaning Untreated Aluminum Ramps Aluminum is a light but strong material common for outdoor and commercial applications because of its weather-resistant properties; aluminum doesn’t rust because it forms a natural oxide layer. Oxidation is a confusing process because it is a form of corrosion. Still, unlike oxidation that occurs on other metals, it does not […]

Making our Christmas video was as much fun as it looked. We hope it brings you a smile. From all of us here at Upside Innovations, enjoy a Safe and Wonderful Christmas Time. It’s Christmas Eve,And fun for all,Cause work this year,Had zero falls! You’re safely having a wonderful Christmastime,Our stairs and platforms make everything […]

Definitions of terms used in OSHA Standards – 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D Open riser An open riser refers to the vertical space between each step not enclosed by a solid material. OSHA code for open risers is at least 6 inches in height and a maximum distance of 7.5 inches. Handrail A handrail is […]

In a factory setting, the equipment can be difficult to access, leading to dangerous and/or uncomfortable working conditions. Catwalks can be a necessary solution to this problem and OSHA compliance. Upside Innovations is a stair manufacturer, and this article covers some applications and summarizes OSHA compliance requirements. Common Catwalk Applications Upside Innovation’s Catwalks Upside manufacturers […]

Roof-top equipment requires ongoing maintenance to keep work environments safe. Workers accessing roof-tops to maintain equipment frequently meet accessibility challenges and obstacles such as pipes, skylights, ducts, and parapets, not to mention abundant trip and fall hazards. For rooftop accessibility and the ability to safely crossover over obstacles over 12″ height, an OSHA-compliant fixed non-penetrating […]

SIXAXIS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF UPSIDE INNOVATIONS APEX AND DOCK STEP MODULAR ACCESS SYSTEMS CINCINNATI, OHIO OCTOBER 28, 2022 —Upside Innovations, a SixAxis company, has launched an innovative new modular access system. The APEX System is a modular, prefabricated line of ADA, IBC, and OSHA-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies designed to improve safe access for businesses […]

Rise and Run for Stairs Following building codes specific to stairs is essential in any new construction or remodeling project to ensure safety for everyone. This article outlines stair code requirements to make it easy for builders to meet relevant regulations and safety standards. Building Codes for Stair Tread Depth The depth of a stair […]

UPSIDE’S Continuing Education Step It Up: Increased Efficiency with Prefabricated Modular Stairs, Access Systems, & Ramps Does your project need to step it up when it comes to stairs and safety? Our CE course discusses prefabricated modular metal stairs, access platforms, and ramps that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Participants […]

If there’s one thing we know for sure, things change fast in the modular construction industry. Last-minute design changes and a long list of variables over which we have very little control can impact the budget and timeline for your modular installation project, and our integrated Apex System was designed to make adapting on the fly […]

Cleaning Untreated Aluminum Steps Aluminum is a light but strong material common for outdoor stair applications because it is weather-resistant. It is weather-resistant in that it doesn’t rust, but it forms a natural layer of oxide through the process called “oxidation.” Oxidation can be a baffling occurrence because it is a natural chemical reaction. Unlike […]

Many companies require access to elevated areas at some point. For instance, potential hazards include servicing HVAC equipment, accessing a loading dock, or even a crossover. Many workplaces utilize scaffolding or ladders for these purposes. Yet these options are less efficient and can contribute to serious workplace accidents. Commercial and industrial metal stairs have become […]

Loading docks are one of the busiest and potentially most hazardous areas of industrial workplaces. There are many moving parts such as heavy equipment and foot traffic that continuously move throughout the loading dock daily. One small error can result in a severe or fatal injury. It is crucial to keep loading docks dry and […]

A Bridge Home initiative in Los Angeles, California was put into place in 2018 in an effort to help individuals who are living on the streets to find jobs and homes. To accomplish this, the city has deployed dozens of bridge housing sites and has plans to deploy many more. Each site contains several modular […]

For landlords, retaining current tenants is extremely critical to generating and sustaining a good source of income for the long term. However, keeping them isn’t like a walk in the park, especially if you manage many renters. A variety of criteria influences renter retention in commercial retail establishments. Here are four key tips that commercial […]

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), slips, trips, and falls inflict 700 fatal injuries and many more accidents in the workplace each year. While mishaps can occur in any setting, managers can avoid these workplace accidents by taking the necessary measures, detecting dangers, and training their personnel. Here are some workplace safety […]

It would be ideal for every safety professional to find a straightforward solution when dealing with fall accidents in the workplace. It would seem that having a uniform height across all jobs and sectors would make enforcement easy. However, this is not the case for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While OSHA’s goal is to […]

A well-known solar panel contractor has been cited for exposing workers to dangerous fall hazards. The company headquartered in Louisiana is one of the leading solar panel installers in the nation. OSHA issued a third-party citation after an investigation found that it violated federal workplace safety requirements despite being previously cited twice in two years. […]

In the realm of industrial design and architecture, understanding the distinctions between an equipment platform and a mezzanine is important for optimal space utilization and compliance with safety standards. At Upside Innovations, we specialize in crafting both stair and platform products that cater to these distinct needs. An equipment platform, typically unoccupied, is designed primarily […]

Aluminum walkway canopies add value to any commercial property, and they last much longer than fabric canopies. Below are 5 elements to consider when determining the best walkway canopy layout. 1. Walkway Width A commercial sidewalk must be at least 5′ wide to comply with ADA regulations. Any sidewalk that is less than 5′ wide […]

OSHA regulates every factor about a workplace, and below you will find the code that we follow for our fixed, industrial stairs. Landings, Platforms & Catwalks Platforms and catwalks can be placed at the top, middle, or bottom of a set of metal stairs. Guardrails & Midrails As an employer, there is a duty to […]

The International Building Code (IBC) has many requirements for stairways, and you must also meet the required number of means of egress and areas of refuge for wheelchairs. Width (IBC 1011.2) The number of occupants on each floor will determine the required width of the stairs. In short, the width is calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by […]

The means of egress, as outlined in the International Building Code (IBC), are essential for ensuring safe and efficient evacuation from buildings during emergencies. These requirements stipulate not just the existence of exit paths but also their design, number, and dimensions, which vary across different buildings. A well-structured egress route is crucial for guiding occupants […]

A hurricane anchor and strap are the most reliable way to keep any outdoor aluminum ramps, steps, or canopies secure. If the product is made and installed by Upside Innovations on concrete, the product should withstand winds from a category 5 hurricane. On concrete, we always install ramps and steps using 3/8” wedge anchors, and […]

ADA Requirements The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires wheelchair ramps to have a slope no steeper than 1:12 so that people in wheelchairs can go up and down without assistance. This means that for every inch of rise in the threshold, the wheelchair ramp must be 12 inches (one foot) long. For example, a door […]

You must consider many factors if you plan to install a modular building ramp because every site is different. Follow this guide so that you take the necessary site measurements. Why does my ramp have to be a specific length? The ramp must comply with ADA regulations if it is going to be used by […]

The ADA defines a ramp as an access route that has a slope greater than 1:20 (elevation of 1 inch for every 20 horizontal inches). There are several ADA requirements for businesses, including providing ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps that must follow particular guidelines. These guidelines discuss various parts of the ramp, and some people may not be familiar with all […]

ADA Basics The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes that people with disabilities must have equal access to workplaces, transportation, restaurants, and other businesses to be a part of their community and have purchasing power. The Act put ADA requirements for businesses in place to remove barriers and provide access to all people so that […]

The US population is aging, and disabled people are living longer due to advances in medical technology. The number of Americans with a disability has increased by more than 20% over the last decade, reaching 10%. Around 3 million full-time wheelchair users can attest that this increase is directly related to our aging society. Wheelchair […]

California ADA requirements have its own set of regulations for new construction and alterations to existing structures in regard to accessibility, so ADA ramps will need to meet these unique requirements. The purpose of the California Building Code is to, “establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare” (California Building […]

ADA Ramp Landing Requirements Landings are required at the top and bottom of each ramp run. Ramp landings cannot have a slope greater than 1:48 The ramp landing width should be as wide as the widest ramp run leading to the landing. For example, if you have an 8-foot wide ramp section that leads into […]

The information in this guide references the International Building Code 1009.6 and International Building Code 1009.7 Area of Refuge? The International Building Code (IBC) defines it as “an area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during an emergency evacuation.” For example, people in wheelchairs or elderly people […]

If you haven’t read our IBC Stair Width Calculation article, I recommend reading that first so that you can see the IBC codes we reference. If you have already read it, below is a scenario in which we calculate the required width of multiple stairways that serve multiple floors. Scenario: We need exit stairs for […]

If you haven’t read our IBC Stair Width Calculation article, I recommend reading that first so that you can see the IBC codes we reference. If you have already read it, below is a scenario in which we calculate the required width of a multiple stairways serving one floor. Scenario: We need exit stairs from […]

We are excited to announce that Upside Innovations made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S. – an accomplishment that we couldn’t have achieved without our customers and the effort put forth by our team. Thank you to everyone that has helped us reach this goal !Thank you for your […]

ADA Ramp Slope The ADA ramp slope must be no steeper than 1:12 (1 inch of vertical rise to 12 inches of ramp length.) The Americans with Disabilities Act states that these criteria must be met for any wheelchair ramp used by the public. For example, suppose the vertical rise is 10”. To calculate the ADA-required ramp […]

Our industrial work platforms give employees safe access to equipment and machinery in both indoor and outdoor applications. The step platforms feature partial or full adjustability, rust-free aluminum, and fall protection systems for optimal safety. Click on the standard industrial work platform options below to see product details. How does the fully adjustable step platform […]

More and more commercial and industrial property owners are switching from galvanized steel to aluminum exterior stairs. Here are five reasons why: 1. Long product life Unlike steel, galvanized steel, and wood, aluminum will never rust, warp, or rot, so the structural integrity and original appearance remain intact longer than other common materials. Explanation: Unlike […]

This guide will help you determine the required ADA stair landing width and length to accommodate door swing and an area of refuge. We refer to the International Building Code (IBC) for new construction because it covers ADA landing requirements. ADA Stair Landings Need an ADA stair and landing? ADA Stair Landings with Doors: 1011.6 Stairway landings – […]

Choosing the best ADA wheelchair ramp material can be difficult, especially when trying to balance quality and price along with any other factors that may be important to you. Here is a breakdown of some of the ADA ramp material properties to consider, including weight, strength, corrosion resistance and cost of aluminum, iron, steel, wood and concrete. […]

Rust is another name for iron oxide. The process of oxidation occurs when a metal reacts with oxygen in the presence of water or moisture in the air. Given enough time and exposure to oxygen and water, any iron mass will convert to rust and disintegrate. The life of the product can be prolonged by […]

A generator access platform and the steps are important for providing safe, compliant access to the employees who provide maintenance to generators. Platforms and steps typically comply with walking-working surfaces and OSHA regulations for fixed stairways which means that there are several regulations for tread depth, tread width, riser height, platform size, guardrail height, and more. A […]

Typical Walk Ramp Layout Drawings: Typical loading docks are approximately 48″ off the ground, so the threshold height for the exit doors are also 48″. A 48″ threshold height means that you need a 48′ industrial walk ramp to comply with ADA regulations. ADA states that the maximum slope for a walk ramp is a […]

Our team designs, manufactures, and installs ADA steps, ADA ramps, and canopies for modular classrooms. We work on all types of projects from single classrooms to large, modular school complexes. Case Study: We manufactured and installed steps, ramps, and a canopy for modular classroom access in West Virginia. The modular classrooms were a temporary solution […]

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. This includes ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to buildings and facilities. One way to provide equal access is by installing ramps, which allow people who use wheelchairs or […]

Crossover metal stairs have at least two sets of stairs that are connected by one or more platforms and are designed to allow employees to safely travel up and over physical barriers in the workplace. Without stairs that provide access over the barriers, employees could be injured if they try to climb over or crawl […]

Our stairs for mobile office trailers are the best option for temporary jobs such as construction sites because they are adjustable. They are unlike other portable stairs in the market because when they adjust, they keep an even height between all treads. The difference between our stairs and others’: Our Omni Stairs: Every tread adjusts […]

The best alternative material to precast concrete is aluminum. Why? While aluminum may be a little more expensive initially, it will remain intact for longer. As you can see in the photo above, there is a set of precast concrete steps next to an aluminum wheelchair ramp. The steps have cracks and rust from the […]

1. Located on both sides Handrails must be on both sides of the stairs and ramps. For OSHA stair handrails, however, it can be just on one side. 2. Continuous Handrails must be continuous through the full length of the stair flight or ramp run. They cannot end or break at any point within the […]

Our aluminum steps debuted at the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Tournament this July! One of our customers ordered several sets of second-story steps last year for multiple event locations in Florida. This year, they disassembled the steps, moved them to New Jersey, and set them up for the golf tournament. View the installation guide to […]

When sitting in the first iteration of Upside Innovations’ facility, founder Kevin Sharp used to look out the window of the 1,900 ft2 garage/office and stare at the semis loading and unloading at the large manufacturing facility across the street.  It felt so far out of reach when trying to build a company as the […]

Many sectors make up the construction industry, and analyzing all of them can be time-consuming and overwhelming. To help you have a better overall view of the industry, we have collected information about construction sector performance and expected growth opportunities. The construction industry dropped with the 2008 market crash but has seen remarkable growth in […]

Many aspects of managing a construction project can be overwhelming, such as budgeting, planning, scheduling, bid management, reporting, etc. Even more, stress can be incurred from the amount of money spent on tools to keep track of everything. Construction management software can be your ally in ensuring safety within your commercial establishment, especially when planning industrial […]