Which of the following is a common mortar-related safety precaution?

Wearing appropriate body armor is a vital mortar-related safety precaution because it provides essential protection against potential shrapnel and debris generated during mortar operations. Mortars can produce significant blast effects, and the risk of injury from flying fragments is substantial in the vicinity of the firing area. Body armor helps to mitigate these risks, thus safeguarding personnel involved in loading, firing, or providing support during mortar operations.

In addition to body armor, other safety measures are also critical in mortar operations, such as ensuring that all personnel are in safe positions and implementing proper firing protocols. Although avoiding direct eye contact or using suppressive fire might seem relevant in specific contexts, they do not directly address the overarching need for physical protection during mortar engagement, which the wearing of body armor directly fulfills.