Defence charged after Vic recruits shocked

Two army recruits suffered severe electric shocks during a Victorian training exercise in 2016 and the Department of Defence has been charged.

A woman aged 20 and a 21-year-old man were burnt by the shocks - with one losing consciousness - at the Puckapunyal training area in central Victoria, when a portable radio aerial struck overhead power lines on July 4, 2016.

Safety regulator Comcare on Thursday said two charges have been filed against Defence, for breaching workplace health and safety laws.

"Recruits being trained to operate communications systems were moving a portable radio antenna into a vertical position when it came into close proximity with overhead high-voltage power lines," Comcare said in a statement.

The injured recruits were airlifted to a Melbourne hospital and made full recoveries.

The charges follow an investigation by the authority and relate to risk management and hazard identification.

Each carries a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.

The matter is due to be mentioned in Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 6.